Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Showing posts with label dual clutch transmission. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dual clutch transmission. Show all posts

Wednesday, 1 February 2017

USA - After gaining on of Kelley Blue Books 10 coolest cars, Hyundai adds a Value addition to the Veloster.

  • 18-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, and premium audio are just a few of many features wrapped in a modestly priced package that adds even more versatility in 2017
As one of Kelley Blue Book’s “10 Coolest Cars under $18,000” in 2016, a new Value Edition comes to the hippest small car on the market for the 2017 model year. At just $21,350 the Veloster Value Edition with a standard 6-speed EcoShift® Dual Clutch Transmission delivers $950 in value savings and includes several desirable features.

2017 Hyundai Veloster Value Edition includes:
  • 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 R18 tires
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Proximity key with push button start
  • 7-inch Navigation system including Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™
  • Automatic climate control
  • Blue Link® Connected Car System
  • Blue Linpeakers, external amp and subwooferk Remote Start
  • Premium Dimension audio system, with 8 s


 “The Value Edition epitomizes our desire to provide consumers more for less,” said Mike Evanoff, Product Planning Manager. “These are amongst the most sought after options in a car, in one convenient value savings package.”

This new trim level bolsters an already solid Veloster line-up which starts at just $18,100.


FIESTY ENGINES, FRIENDLY TRANSMISSION CHOICES
Thrust comes from a 1.6-liter, Gasoline Direct Injection, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valve, inline-4 engine, but you choose whether or not it also includes a turbocharger. 

The naturally aspirated unit produces a healthy 132 peak horsepower at 6300 rpm and 120 pound-feet of torque at 4850 rpm. Adding the twin-scroll turbo to the stainless-steel, integrated exhaust-manifold increases peak horsepower to a potent 201 at 6000 rpm and torque to 195 pound-feet at just 1750 rpm, and maintains the pull all the way through 4500. 

No matter the engine, choose between a six-speed manual or dual-clutch transmission, six-speed for naturally aspirated motors, turbos get seven speeds.



THREE DOORS AND A HATCH
Sixty-five percent of the Veloster’s structure is made from high-strength steel. This benefits everything from ride to road noise. It also makes an excellent foundation for a sport-tuned suspension. 

For even more control, the Veloster Turbo features brake-based torque vectoring to mitigate understeer and enhance its already impressive turn-on-a-dime nature. With a driver’s door, front and rear passenger doors, and capacious 15.5 cubic-feet of cargo space underneath the hatch, the Veloster offers both utility and excitement in a sharply styled package.



SAFETY
Great safety equipment come standard on every Veloster, including a NHTSA 5-star safety rating. Active safety comes from six airbags(two up front, as well as driver and passenger side and curtain airbags) along with front seatbelt pre-tensioners that hold folks tight rounding out the features. 

Passive safety comes from Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC), Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), as well as a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Daytime Running Lights (DRL). That’s a lot of initials and a lot of ways to avoid an incident from ever occurring.



FOUR ON THE SHOWROOM FLOOR
Whether you choose a well-equipped standard car, opt for the Value Edition, or add forced induction to the mix with either the Veloster Turbo or R-Spec, it doesn’t matter, you receive great value. You chose style, class, and practicality. You chose cool.

Monday, 14 November 2016

USA - Kia launches a new model within the Soul range, the New Soul Exclaim comes with 40 more HP and better Torque.

New Soul Exclaim Adds 1.6-liter Turbocharged GDI Engine with 40 More Horsepower, 45 More lb.-ft. of Torque and More to Love
  • More power makes Kia’s funky urban runabout more fun than ever
  • More power and improved fuel economy
  • Other love-inducing additions include specialized trim and upscale, sportier features
It’s hard to make something great even better, but Kia did when it added a 201-horsepower turbocharged engine to one of its best-selling, most-iconic and most beloved vehicles. 
Fans of the Soul had long lobbied for a little more zip in their favorite ride and the 2017 Soul Exclaim didn’t disappoint when it was revealed to media today.
“We wanted to provide loyal Soul lovers and new buyers a sportier option,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning KMA. 


“The 2017 Soul Exclaim with its turbocharged engine gives the car’s fans another wonderful choice from an already wonderful line-up.”
Though the 1.6-liter turbo engine adds 40 horsepower, fuel economy is 28 miles-per-gallon, city and highway combined1—slightly better than the combined mileage of the 2.0-liter normally-aspirated 161-hp engine in the Soul Plus and in the Soul Base 1.6-liter, which produces 130 horsepower.
Performance in the turbocharged Exclaim is further enhanced by the addition of a new 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which, via quicker and smoother shift points and no shift shock, makes for more dynamic acceleration and contributes to a more engaging driving experience.
In addition to the turbo engine, the Exclaim includes specialized trim and sportier features, including: exclusive 18-inch wheels; red-accented body trim; chrome grille surround, unique Soul tailgate badge; and, for the first time on Soul, dual chrome twin-tip exhaust.
The Exclaim also gets a standard leather-wrapped, D-shaped steering wheel, pushbutton start with smart key and UVO32 with e-Services with integrated Android Auto™3 and Apple CarPlay ™. A thumping 315-watt Harman Kardon® 5 premium audio system with eight speakers, including a center channel and subwoofer, navigation and 8-inch touchscreen display is also available. Other new options for the 2017 model year are convenience systems such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Detection are also available6.
The 2017 Soul is available in three trim levels: Base with manual or automatic 6-speed transmission; Soul Plus with the 6-speed automatic; and the Exclaim turbo with the new 7-speed DCT. There are also two new exterior colors. Redesigned headlights and fog lights, along with front and rear fascias lend a more aggressive appearance while two dedicated USB charge ports and an available 8-way power passenger seat add convenience and comfort.

Thursday, 24 September 2015

USA - 2016 Acura TLX – Hot selling luxury sports sedan returns with unique bend of athleticism & refinement.

Fast on the heels of a very successful first year, the Acura TLX will enter 2016 with great momentum when it goes on sale September 24 with a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $31,6951 for the TLX with 8-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and $35,750 for the same model with the Technology Package. 
The MSRPs for all five models with the 9-speed automatic transmission are unchanged from mid-model year 2015. The TLX garnered the admiration of luxury sports sedan drivers and critics alike with its combination of proportion, prestige, performance and luxury, leading to robust sales and industry awards.

The 2015 Acura TLX was recognized for its successful blend of style, performance and advanced technology with a 2015 Best Cars for the Money award from U.S. News & World Report, topping the Upscale Midsize Car category, and with a 2015 Best Value award from Kiplinger's Personal Finance in the Best New/Redesigned Car in the $40,000-$50,000 category. The Acura brand was also named the 2015 Best Retained Value® Luxury Brand by Edmunds.com for its outstanding projected resale value after five years of ownership.
"The success of TLX in its initial year on the market has been instrumental in Acura's resurgence as a luxury sedan manufacturer," said Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager, Acura Division. "The unique combination of proportion, prestige and performance is a hallmark of all Acura vehicles, from the gateway ILX luxury sedan to the MDX three-row luxury SUV and, of course, the upcoming next-generation NSX supercar."
Developed under the theme of Red Carpet Athlete, the TLX delivers a unique and compelling blend of sports-sedan athleticism and premium (red-carpet) luxury refinement. On the performance side, TLX models are powered by two high-output direct-injected i-VTEC engines; two advanced transmissions, including a Dual Clutch Transmission with torque converter; and the latest iterations of Acura precision-handling technologies – Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS™), next-generation Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®), and Agile Handling Assist (AHA).
The TLX also was designed to appeal to a broader cross-section of luxury sports-sedan customers, with a wider range of powertrain and drivetrain options.  There are three distinct TLX model offerings:
  • The TLX with 2.4-liter, 206-horsepower2 i-VTEC inline-4 with 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (8DCT) with torque converter, and P-AWS;
  • The TLX with 3.5-liter, 290-horsepower3 i-VTEC V-6 with 9-speed automatic transmission and P-AWS;
  • And the TLX SH-AWD with next-generation SH-AWD, available with the 3.5-liter, 290 horsepower3 V-6 and 9-speed automatic. 
All three TLX models carry a long list of standard luxury comfort, convenience and safety features. TLX models with the 2.4-liter engine can be upgraded to the Technology package and models with the 3.5-liter engine are available with Technology or the line-topping Advance Package. View, build and price a 2016 Acura TLX at acura.com/tlx.
TRIMMSRP1Anticipated EPA MPG Rating 4
(city/highway/combined)
TLX 2.4L$31,69524/35/28
TLX 2.4L with Technology Package$35,75024/35/28
TLX 3.5L$35,32021/34/25
TLX 3.5L with Technology Package$39,37521/34/25
TLX 3.5L with Advance Package$42,60021/34/25
TLX 3.5L SH-AWD with Technology Package$41,57521/31/25
TLX 3.5L SH-AWD with Advance Package$44,80021/31/25
Design and Packaging
The TLX's chassis, powertrains and precision-handling technologies are wrapped in a lithe exterior design with taut body surfaces, dynamically sculpted fender arches, and purposeful character lines. Its sporting character is emphasized by compact sports-sedan proportions.

Acura's signature Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, standard on all models, lend the TLX an advanced and bright-eyed appearance while producing superior down-the-road illumination. Its LED lighting theme carries through to the LED-accented side mirrors, LED taillights and LED license plate illumination.
The TLX also features a 60/40-split folding rear seatback for greater cargo-carrying flexibility and a trunk design featuring a wide and deep opening, a low lift-over height, a fully flat cargo floor, and two optional underfloor storage compartments.
Interior
The TLX's spacious five-passenger interior is designed and engineered to provide a high degree of refinement, luxury comfort and technological sophistication while supporting an exhilarating driving experience. High-end premium elements include a soft-touch, one-piece instrument panel upper cover, alloy and wood-grain design accents, and available Milano leather seat trim.

The TLX offers an abundance of available luxury features and technologies, including heated and ventilated front seats, HomeLink®, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, Smart Entry/Push Button Start keyless access system, Acura Navigation System with 3D view, and AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ with Traffic Rerouting. A 7-inch On Demand Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD) touch screen, located in the center console, controls these and other features, and, with its contextual menus, displays relevant items while minimizing instrument panel clutter. 
The TLX also features the next generation of AcuraLink®, Acura's cloud-based connected car system, offering Acura owners a broad range of cloud-based and embedded convenience, connectivity and available security features. All TLX models come equipped with Siri Eyes Free technology that, when paired with a compatible iPhone, allows the driver to use the features of Siri using familiar voice commands. Additional standard and available luxury features includes one-touch turn-signals and power windows, power driver and front passenger seats, GPS-linked automatic climate control, color Multi-Information Display (MID) with turn-by-turn guidance, LED accent lighting, HD Radio®, Pandora® and Aha™ integration, and HDMI and USB connectivity.
In keeping with Acura's commitment to delivering a world-class audio experience, the TLX in Technology and Advance trims come equipped with a 490-watt, 10-speaker Acura/ELS Studio® Premium Audio System, engineered specifically for the TLX by legendary recording engineer Elliot Scheiner. 
TLX models featuring the 3.5-liter V-6 engine utilize an advanced Electronic Gear Selector, using an intuitive push-button array in place of a traditional gear lever, freeing up center-console space while presenting an advanced and futuristic appearance. All TLX models incorporate an Electronic Parking Brake with Automatic Brake Hold that, when activated, retains brake pressure when the vehicle is stopped, simplifying driving in heavy traffic or on steep hills.  
Powertrains
At the heart of the TLX's athletic sports-sedan performance capabilities are its two powertrains, both utilizing direct-injection, i-VTEC valvetrains with variable cam phasing, and low-friction technologies to deliver higher output and linear and responsive power delivery, as well as to garner class-leading fuel-economy ratings.

The direct-injected 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC in-line 4, producing a peak 206 horsepower and 182 lb.-ft. of torque, is mated to an 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (8DCT) with torque converter. Featuring Sequential SportShift, closely spaced ratios, ultra-quick shifts and automatic rev-matching downshifts, the 8DCT gives the 2.4-liter TLX an aggressively sporting yet refined feel. The torque converter provides exceptionally smooth operation in stop-and-go situations, plus it offers off-the-line torque multiplication for substantially improved initial acceleration that a DCT alone cannot equal.
The direct-injected 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC V-6 incorporates Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), with the ability to deactivate three of the engine's six cylinders, for improved fuel efficiency. The aluminum-alloy 24-valve engine produces a peak 290 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission with wide gear ratios featuring Sequential SportShift.
TLX models featuring the 3.5-liter V-6 engine and 9AT also utilize an advanced Electronic Gear Selector that replaces the traditional gear lever with an intuitive and easy-to-operate push-button array. The interface frees up center-console space while presenting an advanced and sophisticated appearance.
The TLX SH-AWD also incorporates an idle-stop capability for improved fuel efficiency.  A 28-volt Active Control engine mount significantly reduces engine vibration during restarts.
The TLX equipped with the 2.4-liter engine has an anticipated EPA fuel-economy rating of 24/35/281 mpg city/hwy/combined, among the highest for any vehicle in its class. The TLX with the 3.5-liter V-6 with P-AWS has an anticipated EPA fuel-economy rating of 21/34/251 mpg. The TLX SH-AWD has an anticipated EPA fuel-economy rating of 21/31/251.
Acura Precision-Handling Technologies
Two-wheel-drive TLX models, with either the 2.4-liter or 3.5-liter engine, come equipped with the latest iteration of Acura P-AWS. The P-AWS system was integrated into the fundamental chassis design from the earliest stages of development, allowing engineers to take full advantage of its independent left and right rear-wheel toe angle control to enhance overall handling precision, low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability.  

The TLX SH-AWD features a hydraulically controlled new generation of Acura's acclaimed torque vectoring SH-AWD®. The rear-drive unit is constantly overdriven by 2.7-percent, providing torque-vectoring effect across a broad spectrum of driving situations, enhancing cornering capability at lower speeds and in tighter-radius corners.
Near-limit and high speed maneuvering capabilities of both the P-AWS and SH-AWD models are enhanced by the use of Agile Handling Assist (AHA), which utilizes the TLX's Vehicle Stability Assist and premium 6-piston brake modulator to create a yaw moment (a vehicle turning force), helping the driver smoothly and easily trace the desired line with smaller steering-wheel inputs. AHA stabilizes the car earlier than conventional VSA, resulting in more agile and engaging dynamic performance in everyday driving conditions.
All TLX models also feature the latest development of Acura's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS), which allows drivers to customize their driving experience through four selectable modes – ECON, Normal, Sport and Sport+. Depending on the setting, IDS will adjust power-steering effort, throttle response, transmission shift logic, HVAC system operation, and the control logic for either the P-AWS or SH-AWD systems. The Sport+ mode, a first for Acura, unlocks the full performance potential of the TLX with the most aggressive settings in all areas.
Safety and Driver-Assistive Technologies
The TLX also advances Acura's reputation for delivering cutting-edge safety and driver-assistive technologies. The TLX deploys a cooperative monocular camera and millimeter wave radar system that expands both the fidelity and scope of the vehicle's road-sensing capabilities. This fusion of camera and radar technology underpins the TLX's available Collision Mitigation Braking SystemTM (CMBS), which can provide enhanced car-to-car and car-to-pedestrian collision mitigation, while also enhancing the capabilities of the Adaptive Cruise Control.

The TLX utilizes Acura Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), which is included with the Advance Package. RDM uses the monocular camera to recognize painted lane lines, Botts' Dots and Cat Eye markers to determine lane boundaries. When the vehicle's current travelling direction would cause it to stray from a detected lane, the system warns the driver and assists by applying corrective steering input and, if required, braking force to help the driver maintain their current lane.
Additional standard and available driver-assistive features include blind spot information (BSI), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Expanded View Driver's Side Mirror, Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS) and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM).
The TLX also employs Acura's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, along with advanced supplemental restraint systems – including front, side, side-curtain and driver's knee airbags – to provide a high level of occupant protection in a wide spectrum of collision scenarios.
Body and Chassis
The TLX platform (body and chassis) was designed from the ground up to support and enhance the vehicle's outstanding driving dynamics, luxury-sedan refinement, class-leading fuel efficiency and high-level collision safety performance.  

The chassis features a four-wheel independent suspension system – McPherson Strut front and multi-link rear – with optimized geometry and Amplitude Reactive Dampers for improved ride comfort and handling performance. The TLX's Motion-Adaptive Electronic Power Steering delivers a high level of steering precision and responsiveness while aiding fuel efficiency. It also works cooperatively with the vehicle's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) traction-control system to help the driver maintain vehicle control in slippery road conditions.
The TLX's unit body utilizes advanced lightweight materials, including ultra-high-strength steels, aluminum (hood, bumper beams and front subframe) and magnesium (steering hangar beam), to minimize weight while providing for a high degree of rigidity that benefits both dynamic performance and occupant safety. Also incorporated into the body is the next generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) frontal body structure, and a one-piece, hot-stamped-steel door stiffener ring. The sleek body design is also optimized for class-leading aerodynamic efficiency.
For a premium interior experience, Acura engineers paid special attention to body sealing to provide a quiet and relaxing cabin experience.  This includes the application of acoustic spray foam, which is applied in 10 critical locations throughout the body. Additional noise-reducing features include triple door seals, the expanded application of body sealing and sound absorptive materials, an acoustic glass windshield, and electronic Active Noise Control (ANC).