2013 Scion FR-S Long-Term Update 1 Our Hopes and Fears

Even before our 2013 Scion FR-S Long-Term Update 1 Our Hopes and Fears arrived, WOT staffers were already preparing their wish list of modifications — bigger tires, new suspension, forced induction, and exhaust upgrades, just to name a few possibilities. I was both hopeful and worried—does the FR-S really need all that stuff?

2013 Scion FR-S Long-Term Update 1 Our Hopes and Fears

2013 Scion FR-S Long-Term Update 1 Our Hopes and Fears

 2013 Scion FR-S Long-Term Update 1 Our Hopes and Fears

2013 Scion FR-S Long-Term Update 1 Our Hopes and Fears

 

 2013 Scion FR-S Long-Term Update 1 Our Hopes and Fears

 My first stint in the FR-S was a fairly tame icebreaker. A search for local autocross events came up short and a weekend FR-S meet I discovered in an online forum was cancelled due to some much-needed rain here in Southern California. Thankfully, the 2013 Scion FR S rear horizon shot 300x187 imagesun emerged before it was time for me to hand the keys over to the next WOT staffer, giving me the opportunity to explore a back road I last visited with our long-term Nissan GT-R. I had fun in the Nissan and the Scion, but I’m pretty sure Godzilla was bored since I wasn’t prepared to get a speeding ticket or take it to the racetrack. Turn after turn, the GT-R was unfazed, with its all-wheel-drive wizardry doing much of the work.

The FR-S, on the other hand, was more engaging. As we’ve reported many times before, the steering is razor sharp and inducing oversteer is predictable. And unlike the GT-R’s flappy paddles (which I’m sure I’d appreciate more on a track), rowing through the Scion’s gears was much more fun.

“It’s close to perfect right out of the box,” road test editor Scott Mortara said to another staffer while discussing the FR-S. “It doesn’t need a thing.”

2013 Scion FR S front 300x187 imageSure, the 2013 Scion FR-S exists as a blank slate for enthusiasts and tuners, and we’ve already seen plenty of impressive work. Still, I agree with Mortara. The FR-S is close to perfect and I can appreciate the years of work Toyota chief engineer Tetsuya Tada and his team put into the 2+2 coupe (yes, even the Prius-sourced Michelin Primacy tires).

However, I am not completely opposed to modifications. A new exhaust system would be a good start since the stock units on our FR-S don’t look nearly as good as the beefier exhaust tips used on the Toyota GT86 sold in other markets, and I wouldn’t mind a louder exhaust note.

Want more updates on our long-term 2013 Scion FR-S? Stay tuned as we share details about our experience with the car most Wednesdays, only on WOT.

2014 Kia Sorento SX V6 GDI First Test

The 2014 Kia Sorento SX V6 GDI First Test has a new engine, new chassis, new style, and new performance -- you might think it’s a new-generation vehicle, but Kia insists it’s not. “We’re calling it a mid-cycle face-lift,” said Steve Hirashiki, Kia’s senior product planner, at the Sorento’s media launch in Scottsdale, Arizona. The brand’s seven-passenger unibody CUV got 80 percent of its parts revised or replaced. (Keep in mind that the latest generation hit dealers in 2010.) Why, after only a few years, was it time for a redo? “We listened to our customers,” said Ralph Tjoa, Kia’s national manager for product planning. Most wanted a cushier ride and a longer amenity list, he explained. Having a proactive customer relations team that listened to their consumers was just one element of the decision. The eagerness of Kia’s engineering division and the automaker’s tight family ties with Hyundai (the Sorento shares its chassis with the new Santa Fe) also served as incentives for the revision.

2014 Kia Sorento SX V6 GDI First Test

2014 Kia Sorento SX V6 GDI First Test

 2014 Kia Sorento SX V6 GDI First Test

2014 Kia Sorento SX V6 GDI First Test

2014 Kia Sorento SX V6 GDI First Test

 2014 Kia Sorento SX AWD Rear View Engineers quickly went to work on the all-new platform. They gave it a stiffer H-shaped subframe, redesigned front suspension with lightweight components and high-performance dampers, and a retuned multi-link rear suspension with larger bushings and mounts. One quarter of the chassis is made from ultra-high tensile strength (UHTS) steel, which, in part, helps to increase rigidity by 18 percent over the outgoing model. Road feel also benefits from the electrically driven power steering unit that replaces the hydraulic system. It uses a three-mode FlexSteer system that varies assist boost (Comfort, Normal, Sport). Next came the sorting of a revised engine range. Kia’s old 3.5-liter six-cylinder was axed in favor of the more potent 290-horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6. (A new 2.4-liter four-cylinder powers the entry-level LX.) A six-speed automatic distributes power through Magna’s torque vectoring all-wheel-drive system, though if you prefer, front-wheel drive is available.
Designers tweaked the Sorento’s wardrobe just a tad. The front clip now has a wider lower valance with foglights set at its outer edges to emphasize its girth. Above the valance is an updated rendition of Kia’s “Tiger Nose” grille with anodized silver or black mesh. Its halogen projector headlights house bright LED auxiliary lamps, while at the rear, corona-shaped LEDs make up the taillights. New 19-inch silver alloys wrapped in 235/55R-19 all-season rubber fill the wheel wells nicely. 2014 Kia Sorento SX AWD Side View The numerous sub-surface changes are evident after just a few miles at the helm. Exterior road noise now barely penetrates the passenger space; the suspension happily soaks up nastiness below; and there’s ample power throughout the V-6’s entire rev range. The automatic gearbox smoothly knocks off gears, and if desired, can be shifted manually. One more note on the suspension: The ride is not only more comfortable than that of the model it replaces, but it’s also more adept at controlling and setting the Sorento’s 4000-plus-pound, eager-to-lean heft in and out of corners. The FlexSteer system, however, provides minimal feedback and has a very artificial tug no matter the mode selected. Still, the Sorento is fun, controllable, and powerful. 2014 Kia Sorento SX AWD Front View In Motion On the track, the Sorento, as expected, wasn’t all that speedy or sticky. Hustling it to 60 mph from a standstill took 7.3 seconds – barely quicker than our 2011 long termer’s 7.4-second sprint. Keep the throttle jabbed to see a quarter-mile pass in 15.7 second at 89.6 mph; stomp the left pedal to halt it from 60 mph in 121 feet. That’s 4 feet shorter than our long-termer’s best attempt. Passengers will likely enjoy their time inside. The redesigned cabin has a simpler layout that’s replete with softer, higher-grade plastics, leather, and trim. The dash’s standard-issue 8-inch LCD centerpiece commands Kia’s latest Google-powered UVO infotainment and telemetrics system which is highly useful, responsive, and a breeze to navigate. The screen also controls a 10-speaker Infinity surround sound stereo that’s one of the clearest and loudest offered in a sub-six-figure vehicle. A new all-digital speedometer sits behind the multifunction steering wheel and successfully gives a high-end vibe to what was previously an unassuming dash.
Kia’s first-ever power liftgate made grocery runs, road trips, and daily cargo hauls easier during our two-week loan. Its opening height can be programed to accommodate for vertically challenged users. You’d best reserve the available third row seats (a $1000 option; the only option package that’s available on the SX) for those same petite adults or any extra kiddos. Other standard SX trim items including second-row sunshades, dual cooling and heated front seats, 115-volt power invertor, backup camera, push-button start, dual climate control, and -- another Kia first -- a blind spot detection system up the convenience and “wow” factors. That said, it was the redesigned panorama sunroof with power opaque (not mesh) cover that really took everyone aback. Kia’s engineers listened to their constituents and did something spectacular. They successfully, diligently, and quickly made impactful changes to a youngish model. That’s a rarity in today’s industry. In the end, they minted a Sorento that’s their best yet.

2014 Kia Sorento SX V6 GDI
BASE PRICE     $37,550
PRICE AS TESTED     $38,550
VEHICLE LAYOUT     Front-engine, AWD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV
ENGINE     3.3L/290-hp/252-lb-ft DOHC 24-valve V-6
TRANSMISSION     6-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)     4171 lb (55/45%)
WHEELBASE     106.3 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT     184.4 x 74.2 x 68.3 in
0-60 MPH     7.3 sec
QUARTER MILE     15.7 sec @ 89.6 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH     121 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION     0.76 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT     28.5 sec @ 0.59 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON     18/24 mpg
ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY     187/140 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS     0.96 lb/mile

2012 New York: Refreshed 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Debuts with Standard 18-Inch Wheels

2012 New York: Refreshed 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Debuts with Standard 18-Inch Wheels Mitsubishi unveiled the 2013 Outlander Sport at the New York auto show this week, announcing that the compact crossover will be built in the U.S. rather than Japan beginning this July. With the crossover now sporting face-lifted front and rear ends and standard 18-inch alloy wheels, Mitsubishi has updated its current best-seller to live out the remainder of its life cycle.

2012 New York: Refreshed 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Debuts with Standard 18-Inch Wheels

 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Debuts with Standard 18-Inch Wheels

  2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Debuts with Standard 18-Inch Wheels

 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Debuts with Standard 18-Inch Wheels

2012 New York: Refreshed 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Debuts with Standard 18-Inch Wheels

 The compact crossover retains its characteristic “angry eyes” headlights and wide trapezoidal front grille, but gets a subtly revised front fascia. The bumper has been smoothed out a bit, and the grille and fog light surrounds receive new chrome trim. It’s a similar story in the rear, with a simpler, smoother bumper design. The restyled side sills are now colored black on all models to match the lower sections of the altered front and rear bumpers. All 2013 Outlander Sport models get 18-inch alloy wheels standard, and have the option of new exterior colors White Pearl and Quick Silver.
Also debuting on the 2013 Outlander Sport is a revised rear multi-link suspension, which Mitsubishi says will improve handling and ride comfort. The available CVT has been recalibrated to provide better acceleration and smoother shift feel. Inside, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, along with Mitsubishi’s FUSE hands-free Bluetooth phone system, come standard. The range-topping SE model adds a premium six-speaker audio system, heated front seats, HID headlights, as well as smart key passive entry and push-button ignition.

2012 New York: Refreshed 2013 Buick Enclave Completes Updated Lambda Trio

2012 New York: Refreshed 2013 Buick Enclave Completes Updated Lambda Trio With the refreshed 2013 GMC Acadia debuting at the Chicago auto show, and the updated 2013 Chevrolet Traverse making its debut this week at the New York auto show, it’s Buick’s turn to show off its new Lambda platform crossover, the 2013 Enclave.

2012 New York: Refreshed 2013 Buick Enclave Completes Updated Lambda Trio

2012 New York: Refreshed 2013 Buick Enclave Completes Updated Lambda Trio

2012 New York: Refreshed 2013 Buick Enclave Completes Updated Lambda Trio

2012 New York: Refreshed 2013 Buick Enclave Completes Updated Lambda Trio

2013 Buick Enclave front 300x187 imageLike the updated Traverse and Acadia, the Enclave gets some minor touch-ups up front. The 2013 Enclave benefits from new headlights with standard HIDs, halo-effect blue rings, and an LED lighting strip as well. Buick also gives the Enclave a new grille finished in black chrome. Out back, the Enclave uses LED taillights and chrome exhaust tips. Eighteen-inch wheels come standard while 19- and 20-inch wheels are available.

Inside, the 2013 Enclave gets better materials and chrome accents in addition to a handful of new color combos. Blue ambient LED lights are now spread throughout the cabin for a more airy feel. Three-row seating is still standard, in seven- and eight-passenger configurations. Buick’s Intellilink infotainment system is now standard across the board.

As is the case in its Chevy and GMC siblings, the Buick Enclave remains unchanged under the hood. The sole powerplant is a 288-hp and 270 lb-ft of torque 3.6-liter V-6. The Enclave is available in front- and all-wheel-drive forms, with a six-speed automatic transmission. For more on the 2013 Enclave, head to our First Look article HERE.

For everything on the 2012 New York International Auto Show, CLICK HERE for our complete coverage, featuring all the new debuts direct from the New York auto show floor.

2012 New York: Infiniti LE Concept Electric Sedan Lights Up Auto Show Floor

2012 New York: Infiniti LE Concept Electric Sedan Lights Up Auto Show Floor Nissan teased the all-electric Leaf as a preview of several EVs to come, including one that would wear the Infiniti badge. Now the first variant – the Infiniti LE Concept sedan – is on display at the 2012 New York auto show, serving as the brand’s first EV. Nissan’s Carlos Ghosn says the LE Concept is about 85 percent of what the production version of this electric Infiniti will look like. By the time that car arrives, we’d be surprised if the car retained the big “Zero Emissions” badges but may keep the LE name, as though Nissan took the “AF” off a Leaf badge.

2012 New York: Infiniti LE Concept Electric Sedan Lights Up Auto Show Floor

2012 New York: Infiniti LE Concept Electric Sedan Lights Up Auto Show Floor

 2012 New York: Infiniti LE Concept Electric Sedan Lights Up Auto Show Floor

2012 New York: Infiniti LE Concept Electric Sedan Lights Up Auto Show Floor

Infiniti LE Concept interior with ambient lighting 300x187 imageThe Infiniti LE Concept is powered by a 100-kW electric motor rated at 134 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, a bump up compared to the Leaf’s 107 hp and 207 lb-ft. The LE’s 24-kWh lithium-ion battery pack mounted below the passenger compartment has a driving range of about 100 miles per charge, and while its wheelbase is the same as the Leaf, the LE is 9.4 inches longer at 186.4 inches—1.5 inches shorter than an Infiniti G37 sedan.

The LE’s exterior design features a sloping roofline and short trunk, which Infiniti says helps improve range thanks to a super slippery drag coefficient of 0.25. The concept wears aerodynamic 19-inch wheels and blue LED lights that illuminate the car’s cabin and underbody. Also unique to the LE is an inductive wireless charging unit under the rear diffuser that allows the car to be charged without plugging into an outlet, and a self-park system that automatically positions the car above a charge point.

Inside, the LE Concept’s seats and door trim draw inspiration from Japanese kimonos, and mesh and leather seats are swathed in a purple and white. A pair of large touch-screen interfaces on the dashboard display information on nearby charging stations and driving range.

Infiniti says we can expect to see a production version of the LE within the next two years. View the Infiniti LE Concept First Look HERE and don’t miss the rest of our comprehensive New York auto show coverage HERE.