[Timgt5]

The Los Angelos auto show is now in full swing this week, so as one of Pysch Central’s resident car geeks I thought I would post a few highlights on new/improved models heading your way soon.

Kia Forte a handsome young lad



Give former Audi designer Peter Schreyer credit for some stellar work on Kia’s current line up of cars. Here he does a good job disminating the lines of the larger Optima downscale to the smaller Forte. This could easily be the best looking of the C class cars out there. Base engine is shared with its cousin the Hyundai Elanta, rated at 148 HP with an available 2.0L direct injected engine packing 170 horse power as the upscale option. Expect the base engine, 6 speed auto to deliver close to 40 MPG

Acura RLX-The successful tech geek

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2...a-rlx-la-2012/

Jumping a bit to the higher end of the spectrum, Acura’s (Honda’s luxury brand) long in the tooth RL is being replaced by the RLX. The standard front wheel drive (no more SH-AWD) is powered by Direct injected 310 HP V6. This version will also feature something Acura called “PAWS” basically it is form of passive rear steering that is supposed to neutralize the inherrant understeer issue that plagues front wheel drive cars. This system is a decendant of a similar idea from the last generation Honda Prelude. The uplevel model will be a Hybrid, with the same gas engine backed up by 2 electric motors connected to the rear wheels for all wheel drive. The result is 370 HP and fuel economy of 30MPG in both city and highway driving.

The car’s looks are a real shame. Acura is trying to be a Japanese Audi, but lacks the panache in the styling department to pull it off.


Fiat 500(s)-You will want to pinch the cheeks on all of these.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2...-500e-la-2012/

Fiat’s cute little retro hatch, the 500, is proliferating, following the path of Mini. This year we get a convertible, a five door hatchback and a tiny Crossover to battle the Mini Countryman. The most interesting of the batch however is the 500E, an all-electric version of the 3 door..


Hyundai Santa Fe-Hyundai’s Obligatory V6, 3 Row Crossover, and…yawns.



Hyundai is introducing this as replacement for the Veracruz. Packing a 3.3 liter 290HP engine, and 3 rows the Santa Fe (not to be confused with the smaller Santa Fe Sport introduced earlier this year) competes with the Pilot, Highlander, The GM Lambda triplets, Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder. Due to interior volume requirements and the conservative nature of its soccer mom/dad owners, Hyundai gave it some rather restrained, (uh cough), dull styling (at least the Pilot has the “grapefruits” to be honestly ugly)

Expect this to get lost in the sea of grey that is the neighborhood Wal-Mart parking lot.

Nissan GTR-Go, Go Godzilla (note: clever Blue Oyster Cult reference-LOL)

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2...-gt-r-la-2012/

The Nissan GTR, nicknamed “Godzilla” by car enthusiasts for its ludicrous performance. 0-60 comes up in 2.5 seconds, and with nearly 1.5 G cornering ability, this car goes around a road course at almost cartoonish speeds. Some revisions to the engine management system, interior décor and a lightened “Black Edition” are on the way.

Jaguar XFR-S-Darth Vader, your company car has arrived but in the wrong color



I am a real fan of the XF, ultra smooth, supremely comfortable and handles brilliantly. Also worth mentioning it’s a show stopping knockout next to its most of its staid competition. Of course more power, 550 HP worth, certainly makes it even better. Unfortunately Jaguar, in perhaps a sort of sick joke decided to paint this puppy in a funny blue, and stick a cheap wing on the back.

Memo to Tata (Jaguar’s new owners), we like our Jags in Black and British Racing Green, Lord Vader, will not be amused.

Chevrolet Spark-EV-Chevy gets a second opportunity to electrify us.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2...rk-ev-la-2012/

This little bugger packs 400 FT lbs of torque and promises a lot of scoot. Chevy claims its 32,000 dollar (after the tax incentives) mini electric will have the longest in class range and can charge up to 80 percent of its power in 20 Minutes. Volt, Spark, anyone seeing a pattern here?

Toyota Rav4-Toyota updates and then neuters its formerly frisky crossover.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2...-rav4-la-2012/

Toyota’s entry level crossover, The RAV 4 receives an exterior and interior update for 2013. Gone are the third row seats, a trade-off for what it claims is now best in class cargo space. Also gone the ancient four-speed automatic, replaced by a modern six speed for better off the line performance and higher fuel economy. The bad news though is they are dropping the optional V6. The four banger carries on with 176HP and 31MPG

I test drove a 2011 V6 last year and I have say it made the little bugger quite a road rocket, with a lot of highway refinement to boot (it is the same V6 that is found in the Camry and Avalon) and best of all only a 1 mile per gallon penalty versus the four.

Hyundai Veloster “Roll Top”-Old school euro cabriolet meets “Gangnum Style”



One of Hyundai’s more interesting ideas, this version features foldable canvas roof made from recycled tarps, non-matching wheels and its 201HP turbo engine. The Veloster is unfortunately a car whose looks promise a lot more than the driving experience actually delivers.

Porsche Cayman-attention Middle aged men everywhere, your updated midlife crisis cure has arrived.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2...ayman-la-2012/

Following on the heels of Porsche’s recent Boxster update; comes its closed roof brother the Cayman, available in two flavors this is Porsche’s most accessible and fun car to drive on a regular basis. Packing spry performance and sublime handling the Cayman is the perfect answer to any man questioning his life after forty. Best yet, if you need to question your life on a weekend at the coast, it has two trunks.

Honda Civic-Quickie fixes for 2013 may not be enough

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/2...civic-la-2012/

Although Honda launched the current gen Civic just last year, the car has been bombarded with a lot of criticism from the press for de-contenting material quality, and a giving us a disconnected driving experience. Even Consumer Reports removed the car from its recommended list because of poor test scores. Honda quickly rushed a number of updates for this year including a mildly restyled front and rear which more closely resembles the just launched 2013 Accord. Interior materials have been upgraded and supposedly the engineers sharpened the suspension. With only 5 speeds (auto or manual) in the gear box the little Honda still feels dated next to its fresh competitors.

Chevy SS-The NASCAR version-Going left, really fast, at Daytona next year.



Chevy also took the wraps off of its new Nascar racer the SS. Sporting the mandated Car of Tomorrow Architecture, expect to see this puppy tradin’ paint with Fords and Toyotas next season. Although the race car has nothing to do with it mechanically, Chevy will be bringing in an SS for sale as its flagship model. The SS, based on the Holden Commodore, and sold originally here as the Pontiac G8 has already seen service in some police departments around the country. Final specs on the production retail version will be forthcoming.

Mazda 6-Trying to marry style and high gas mileage.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/m...2-5l-for-cx-5/

Mazda took the wraps off of the redesigned 6, sporting its new Kodo design language; the 6 will offer two engine options, a 2.5 Liter standard 4 cylinder and a 2.2 Liter diesel, the V6 offered in the prior gen will not be offered this time. This will make the second midsize family car to offer the diesel option (the other being the Volkswagen Passat) Final specs have not been stated but Mazda claims the 2.5 will have best in class mileage. That means beating the 38MPG Nissan Altima, tall order.

The wagon is quite handsome, but is for Europe only and is alas not coming here Boooooo!!!.

Fiesta/Fiesta XT-Stoking America’s new found love for the hatchback



The 2014 Fiesta XT will pack a 1.6L ford eco-boost turbo tuned to 197 Horsepower which is very potent for that small an engine. Expect upgraded suspension components and interior materials. Ford says it will get 34 MPG. Other models of Fiesta include the standard 1.6L and the eco oriented 1.0L 3 Cylinder, an engine so small that a Ford rep was able to put it in his overhead luggage at the airport.

Jaguar F Type- whoa, nice Kitty, niiiiiccce Kitty

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/j...-type-la-2012/

Jaguar’s new F Type has been revealed as its new entry level (ahem which is a relative term) convertible. Both a supercharged V6 and V8 are available along with extensive customization that will be offered.

My take: it is the prettiest thing Jaguar has offered since the legendary E-Type. I will have to start a 20 year fund just to buy one of these when I retire to Florida or Costa Rica.

2014 Subaru Forester-People of the New England states rejoice, your new ride is here!



Subaru continues its series of revamps with the next gen Forrester compact crossover. Competing with the CRV, RAV 4, Escape, Rogue, etc… the Subie is mildly restyled but retrains the same basic shape and foot print as before. The ancient 4 speed auto is replaced by a new second gen CVT. Engine choice for the base is the carry over 2.5L 175 HP 4 Cylinder which can also be had with a manual gearbox. Up-level there is Subaru’s new Direct Injected, 2.0L Turbocharged 4 Cylinder packing 250 HP. Subaru claims the turbo will run 0-60 in the low six second range making it a fast little box. The base model will get up to 33 MPG. The Forester as before will have standard all-wheel drive in every model. Make mine a turbo touring, (I will be looking at this one as possible future replacement for my Passat Wagon)

Lamborghini Aventador Roadster-My soul just went up for sale on Ebay!



Lamborghini lops the top off its already outrageous V12 supercar, and makes it even more striking. If you are shrieking violet who is uncomfortable with attention, you can cross this one off the list. If you are superrich person who bathes in the adoration of crowds, you probably put one on order already!

I think the new FIAT 500L is overstyled and am not sure it will be a sales success with its looks and small engine. It is a totally different car from the current FIAT 500 - all they share is a powertrain. See for yourself.

[Timgt5]

It may find a few takers but it is a niche vehicle like the Mini Countryman, the design is a bit fussy and overwrought.