New Look: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe now enters its fourth year of production and receives several important updates for the 2013 model year. Modifications to the front end, improvements to the suspension system and an all-new in-house designed 8-speed automatic transmission are among the changes offered with this model that shares its name with the Genesis sedan, but remains a completely different vehicle. Priced from just under $25,000, the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is available in six trim levels, with two engines and two transmission choices offered.
 

Robust Engines

A 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine is standard with the Genesis Coupe. This all-aluminum 16-valve engine makes 274

horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 275 foot-pounds of torque at 2,000 rpm. To achieve these numbers youll need to fill your gas tank with the recommended premium grade gasoline. Hyundai pairs this engine with a standard 6-speed automatic transmission or an optional 8-speed automatic transmission with shifting capabilities by way of the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

A 3.8-liter V-6 engine is available, a direct injection 24-valve motor of aluminum construction. This engine makes 348 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 295 foot-pounds of torque at 5,100 rpm. Premium fuel is recommended and will help you achieve top performance levels. Hyundai pairs this V-6 engine with the same transmission offerings found with the turbocharged four.

The Genesis Coupe comes equipped with a 17.2-gallon fuel tank. Delivering fuel economy as high as 31 mpg, this gives the coupe a cruising range of about 533 miles or enough fuel to take you from Los Angles to Las Vegas and back.
 

Exterior Enhancements

Hyundai has taken the muscular look of its sport coupe and has embellished it with a new fascia, an updated grille, fresh headlights and fog lamps and a new hood. Optional LED daytime running lights, LED tail light treatments and new wheel choices are included. The Genesis Coupe is outfitted with 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels that are set within all-season tires. This car comes equipped with color-keyed power side mirrors that fold and offers an optional power sunroof with a sunshade.
 

Cabin Appointments

Open the door to the Genesis Coupe and you enter a world of sports coupe goodness. This vehicle offers front bucket seats that provide ample bolstering and driver lumbar support. A three-spoke tilt and telescoping steering wheel is leather trimmed; dual analog and a singular digital display make up the instrument gauges located directly behind the wheel. The center stack, updated for 2013, offers optional BlueLink telematics, audio and climate controls, a flip-top storage compartment, power outlets and the transmission shifter. A center console with two cup holders divides the front seats.

Standard black cloth seating can be swapped out with gray or red leather seating with color coordinated cloth inserts. Choose the top of the line 3.8 Track edition and black leather seats are standard. Two-stage heated front seats are available. Hyundai makes good use of soft touch materials throughout the cabin and offers brightwork accents for contrast. Door trim is outfitted with cloth or leather inserts and features pockets; the shift knob is trimmed in leather. Sport models offer aluminum pedals.

Among the standard amenities offered is air conditioning, steering wheel mounted cruise and audio controls, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, power windows and power door locks, iPod and USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and an Autonet 170-watt AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 player with six speakers and a multi-information display. Optionally, a 10-speaker audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio and a 7-inch touchscreen navigation system is available. Keyless entry and push button start are available; this vehicle comes equipped with a panic alarm system. The optional power sunroof tilts and slides, a sunshade allows you to control the amount of outside light.
 

Safety and Warranties

The 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe comes equipped with six airbags and includes front seat active head restraints. This model offers traction control, stability control, four-wheel antilock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. Hood buckling creases and safety stops, an energy absorbing steering column and a tire pressure monitoring system are among the additional safety features present. The stability control system offers three settings, allowing the driver to adjust according to road conditions and personal preferences.

Hyundai Motor America offers one of the most generous warranty packages in the auto industry. A 5-year or 60,000-mile warranty is standard. Powertrain coverage is for 10 years or 100,000 miles whichever comes first. A 7-year unlimited corrosion warranty is included. Hyundai also offers a 5-year roadside assistance plan with no mileage limitations.

2013 Porsche Boxter : In Review

Word on the street is that Porsche went back to the drawing board on their 2013 Boxster, building from the ground up.  While some of the standards will remain, after all they have been tweaking the Boxster for 15 years since its introduction as an affordable alternative to the 911, Porsche wanted something lighter, yet bigger.  And that’s just what they’ve done.

The Boxster is the car that brought back a sinking Porsche in the 90s, so they didn’t want to completely scrap the design. There’s a reason that the Boxster has been an incredible success since its initial introduction and Porsche was looking to keep the trend rolling with the 2013 model. It still maintains the mid-engine layout and two seating cabin, but Porsche identified the new car as a move towards something more mature.

The new Porsche Boxster is all aluminum, which makes it lighter (by nearly 55 lbs), gives it better handling, and increases the fuel efficiency (Porsche says by 15%, though confirming tests have not yet been released).  What’s more, the 2013 Boxster is nearly 3 inches longer than its predecessor, with longer wheel bases and increased and a roomier interior.  It’s built for comfort and for practicality.

Offering either a 6 speed manual, or a 7 speed PDK, the new Boxster features a 2.7 liter, 265 horsepower engine that will get you from 0-60 in about 5.4 seconds, according to Porsche.  The 2013 Boxster S features a 3.4 liter, 315 horsepower engine which can get from 0-60 in a breezy 4.7 seconds.

While the stock Boxster comes with 6 cylinders under the hood, there are also plans to offer a four cylinder version; an entry-level car. There’s little that is entry level about it though, as anyone who puts the pedal on the floor will attest to.

One of the improvements is a move from the old hydraulic steering system to an electro-hydraulic system, similar to what the new 911 carries.  Though the old system was highly regarded and some consumers may complain about the change, Porsche insists that it has been improving the feel of the new system.  Still, some complain that the former hydraulic steering system created more of a bond between car and driver, and that Porsche has sacrificed that for the sake of improvement.

Regardless of which camp is right, the simple fact remains that steering is exceptional. While the new steering system may have taken some of the road out of the feel, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There is much less vibration and the driver isn’t subjected to every jolt from a pebble in the road. There is ample with the new Porsche Boxster to bond the car with the driver. For those who have owned or own a Boxster, you know that the car offers much to love. The 2013 is no exception.

One thing that Porsche did not sacrifice though is cornering stability.  The new 2013 Boxster has a wider chassis for increased stability and better handling.  That means that it’s much easier to drive faster.  Also added are active transmission mounts, like those in the 911.  These are designed to either stiffen or relax, softening to keep the powertrain isolated in less aggressive driving, and stiffening when speed increases so that transmission movement won’t affect dynamics.

Porsche has also given the new Boxster a modified soft top which it says will cut noise drastically for those who drive with the top up.  For those who prefer not to, the top will go down in the space of time it takes for a traffic light to change and can be operated at low speeds.

While there were rumors that Porsche might come out with a hybrid model of the Boxster, there seems to be little to confirm them. At present, drivers will have to make due with the added fuel economy that has been introduced, which increases its efficiency by approximately 15%. Probably a wise move on Porsche’s part as hybrid sports cars have seen little demand in recent years, outside of the fully electric Tesla motors rides.

Some small details include reshaping front and rear headlamps, changing out the running lights with LED lamps, enlarged front-fascia air intakes, and a bulkier fender.  Add to that a new, stylish cockpit (it incorporates the 911’s center console and has been fitted with a high resolution display) and increased legroom, and the 2013 Porsche Boxster promises to be an enjoyable ride.  For those who have owned a Boxster in the past, the 2013 Boxster is shaping up to be in a similar class. While some may not appreciate the subtle “delicacies” that have been incorporated in the latest design, starting at $50,000, it’s a good price for the only mid-engine sports car in its class.

2013 Honda Accord In Review

Honda is one car brand which has always comes with a great line of cars and one such car is the Honda Accord. The Accord cars have helped Honda keep the brand name high ever since its launch in 1976.  The first accord launched was a hatchback model. The car was a hit by the consumer for five years till it was discontinued in 1981 when Honda launched Accords sedan and coupe version. Till date this luxury car by Honda is in its eighth generation and has become one of the flagship sedan by Honda in many countries. Ever increasing demand of bigger cars by States and other Asian auto market make Honda keeps on improving the Accord generation in terms of size and footprint.

When it comes to some of the world’s most reliable cars comes, the Honda Accord tops the chart as it is loved by consumers with all its editions. It has also been awarded as the best luxury sedan by various publications in various countries.

The present generation of the Honda Accord is one of the most stylish of the previous generation of the accords. The mass and the bulk of the machine gives accord more powerful looks. Not only looks, it is also lass with many high end features which make the Accord at par car with German sedans in many aspects.

The sedan makes a design statement with its bold grill, rakish headlamps and the liberal use of chrome. The prominent shoulder line and the little bulge on the wheel arches give a solid base to the design of the vehicle. The rear view of the Honda accord is also bold and classy from every nook and angle.

In 2008 when Honda Accord was last re-designed it got mixed reviews from the consumers. They appreciated the more chiseled and voluptuous looks. But the best part was that the looks of sedans were intact. In the redesign process the instrument panel of the car got a revived look and feel with other minor improvements.

Even though the 2012 Honda Accord Coupe and Sedan models target a different clientele, the front looks are quite similar but when you look at the side profile or back view, you can notice the changes. The Accord follows a more conservative approach than its coupe sibling. The Coupe has the more aggressive styling with its downward curving roof, sculpted flanks and shorter length. It is about three inches shorter than its sedan cousin.

The Accord sedan’s trim levels make a huge difference in making its style statement. The interior trim can be plastic and the base version uses some pretty dull and plain materials. The instrument panel looks good but the button placement ignores the basics of ergonomics and it feels like style has been given more importance. Though the Accord is more stylish than its brethren – the Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion but is still behind the Hyundai Sonata which is more urbane and futuristic.

2013 Honda Accord Sedan

Since its launch Honda Accord continues to flourish in sales, finding a sweet spot in the luxury cars list with great performance and superior functions. The 2013 model will mark the updated version of the car with more dramatic changes in the way accord looks.

Accord Coupe Concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show previewed that the new Honda accord looks more like a present accord. But with a touch of harmoniously blended elements with more refined and stylized looks.

Like the earlier version the 2013 Accord is expected to have four and six cylinder engines with a direct injection method to its 2.4 Ltr. The engine is expected to give minimum 191 hp with good mileage. New Honda Accord will have 6-speed manual gearbox with automatic transmission CVT.

Based on the spy shots even though they are heavily camouflaged, it seems that the Accord Coupe concept that was shown in Detroit has been used in the version being tested.  The information about the changes in the interior design, engine and tech upgrades is still hard to come by and is not available in the public domain.

The 2013 Honda Accord is expected in showrooms later this year with the coupe version following the sedan launch.

Audi Convertible

Audi has gained a reputation for being one of the best car manufacturers in the world. Their cars are built well and the quality that is the Audi name is very difficult to compete with. Audi, along with BMW, are the pinnacle of German engineering and their cars are proof of their hard work and dedication to their craft. Audi’s newest convertibles for 2010 are beautiful to look at as well and there are a few different models that you could consider if you’re looking to buy an Audi convertible for your home car collection.

A5

The Audi A5 comes in convertible form and costs about $40,000. The A5 Cabriolet as it’s known sports a two liter engine that packs a real punch. It can go from 0 to 60 in just over 6.5 seconds, which is very impressive for such a small vehicle. The sleek design makes the car seem much less intimidating than it actually is. With the wind whipping through your hair, chances are you’ll love the way you feel as you gun it down the highway with the top down. The A5 comes with a full range of customization options that let you choose everything from the seat color to the stereo system. It may be difficult to control yourself with all of the options you can pack into this little vehicle.

TT Roadster

The Audi TT is very cool to look at as it buzzes by on the road. The TT started out as covered vehicle, but because demand for the convertible option was so great, Audi finally cracked and made a TT convertible. The TT also features a turbocharged 2 liter engine that really pushes the limits of what can be done with such a small engine. You can get from 0 to 60 in just 6.2 seconds, which rivals many of the more expensive cars in the same car bracket. The TT Roadster does pretty well in the fuel department as well. Scoring just over 20 miles per gallon in the city and almost 30 on the hiway, the TT is not only a beast on the road; it’ll save you quite a bit at the pump by conserving fuel all along the way.

S5

The Audi S5 is really an upgraded version of their A5. Most people can’t tell the difference on the street just by looking at the two vehicles side by side. But behind the wheel, the difference between the two is very clear. The S5 has a 3 liter six cylinder engine that puts out 333 horsepower for your enjoyment. That’s 0 to 60 in a “wow, that’s fast” speed. (“Wow, that’s fast” translates to 5.1 actual seconds). If the speed wasn’t enough either, the S5 also has new technology that allows it to use advanced cruise control on the highways. The new cruise control they have is capable of monitoring the distance between your car and the car in front and slowing down as necessary. So for those few seconds you have to take your eyes away from the road to check your mirrors, the S5  is watching all around to make sure it slows down if it’s about to hit anything.

2013 Hyundai Elantra GT In Review

Hyundai is a name we all love. Now, with the new Hyundai 2013 Elantra GT, you will love it even more.  It is one vehicle that exemplifies how Japanese brands have been intruded by South Korean automakers. The amazing space, advance thinking and innovative thinking have made it a deserving winner of the 2012 North American Car of the Year.

 It is an excellent value on money fronts. The affordability, latest designs, sporty styling and performance of Hyundai cars cannot be stressed enough.   The new modern, crisp and clean lines of this model are sure to win more hearts.  The little more daring cockpit than the exteriors and the hourglass of the central console happens to function correctly as a comfy knee rest.  Available in eight stylish colors – silver, desert bronze, shimmering white, indigo night, black, red, blue sky metallic and gray gives you a number of choices. We took it for a spin to give you an objective report a car review that will help you to make a decision.

The first thing to catch your eyes would be the handsome styling. The moment we took her for a spin, we were impressed by the responsive handling and the smooth ride. The roomy cabin, solid build, lengthy list of safety features is going to give its contenders a tough challenge.  The 148 horsepower and 39 MPG Hwy- it has been made more functional, fun and efficient.  A new entry in the car is the Active Eco- it modifies the engine and transmission control to smooth out the throttle and increase fuel economy by 7%, according to Hyundai. The car comes with Driver Selectable Steering Mode (DSSM), Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) and also spot turned suspension that offers excellent responsiveness and control. This car is a highway commuter’s dream.  The driver gets to customize and control the feel of the steering from the instrumental panel itself into comfort, normal and sport.

There is also a lock-up torque converter for higher fuel economy and highway speeds. The new Elantra GT is said to be designed inspired by the natural flow of the wind and water and their effects on the elements of nature – the fluidic sculpture gives it that look. The panoramic sun roof is one feature that definitely catches the eye. The interior volume is praiseworthy and so is the cargo space.

 In terms of storage also the GT has got some new features like the cooled glove compartment, a front centre console, rear-seat centre armrest with cup holders and an overhead sunglass holder. The interior has storage bins and useful cubbies, including a covered one ahead of the shift lever. The car also contains an aux jack, USB port perfect for connecting smart phones and a power point too. This coupled with the head turning styling, a fuel-efficient engine; a list of safety features and upscale options makes it one of the top picks for a compact sedan.

From leather seating surfaces to push button start auto-defogging system and more are some of the premium features. The room up front is very impressive and the seats are set well in from the door that provides an extra elbow space.  The passenger volume is also quite good on this car. The GLS sedan and the GS coupe have power windows, keyless entries, locks and mirrors and air conditioning on automatic models along with cruise control and telescopic steering.  The audio system offers convenient options with AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3, 6 speakers and iPod®/USB and auxiliary input jacks. The 7 inch touch-screen navigation system also includes a hidden rearview camera along with phone and audio via voice recognition for phone, audio, destinations as well as for real time traffic and weather.

If you want to go ahead and make it your own, click here. But even then we would like to bring to notice a few shortcomings. If you are planning on driving on steep highway, the grade requires a downshifting to 4th and sometimes 3rd – and to keep pace in the twisty mountain roads, you have to change it down to second, which puts a little stress on the engine. The ride and handling is fine on most roads but if there is a big bump ahead it all falls apart. The suspension crashes up upwards and the car jumps up and down. Also when it hits a serious bump, the rear end skips off!   If you do a lot of highway and curvy road driving, you would not make Elantra GT your first choice. The poor body control is going to put you off.

The car could be yours for $19.170 with A/C, alloy wheels, Bluetooth, cruise and heated front seats.   Overall it is a good choice and will not disappoint you. The wind noise, vibration and other fatigue inducers won’t make you stop mid way. Here is the car loan calculator and see if you want to take the call.

Almost 20% of Cars Fail MOT Due to Faulty Bulbs

Figures show that blown bulbs account for almost 20% of failures

Worn tyres account for a further 11%

New electronic display guidelines could increase fail rates

When you think about it, car maintenance really should be done regularly – but we are all guilty of leaving checks until the days before our MOT test is due! Ideally, car checks should be carried out on a weekly or monthly basis so any problems can be nipped in the bud, but sometimes checking to see that a bulb is still working doesn’t always cross our minds.

However, recent figures suggest that it should cross our minds more, since around 20% of cars fail an MOT due to a faulty bulb. Tyre problems also make up 11% of fails – that’s nearly one-third of cars failing an MOT due to problems that can be spotted simply by looking at the car.

Electronic Display Guidelines

New guidelines regarding a car’s electronic display have been effective since April 2012 and may have gone unnoticed, but can result in an instant fail – even if they are illuminated without reason. The main things to watch out for are:

• Headlight main beam warning light
• Brake fluid level warning light
• Tyre pressure monitoring system warning light
• Airbag warning light
• Electronic power steering warning light
• Seat belt pre-tensioner warning light

Easy MOT Checks

There are some really easy and quick checks that you can do to make sure that you give your car the best chance of passing the MOT, saving you time, money and worry:

1. Foot pedals – do the accelerator and foot brake feel spongy when pressed? Do they seem to spring up quickly when released?

2. Handbrake – check that the handbrake can be applied fully before reaching the end of its travel.

3. Steering wheel – check that the wheel and column do not have any cracks or damage, and that the wheel does not suffer from excessive play.

4. Lights – check that all exterior lights are working. Make sure to check all of the lights:

• Headlights
• Sidelights
• Indicators
• Brake lights
• Number plate lights
• Hazard lights – these are on a separate circuit to the indicators, so check these independently.
• Rear fog lights

5. Tyres and wheels – check that the tyre tread is above the legal requirement of 1.6mmaround the central 75% of the tyre. Check that the front tyres are the same size, and that the rear tyres are the same size but tyres can be different sizes between front and rear. Check that the wheels themselves are not damaged, and that there are no missing nuts. A spare tyre is exempt from the MOT.

6. Windscreen, washers and wipers – check that there are no chips or scratches bigger than 10mm in the driver’s line of sight (roughly the width of the steering wheel), or bigger than 40mm in the swept area of the windscreen. Check wiper blades along their entire length, and replace any that are worn or split. Washer jets should be working correctly – only front jets will be tested. If they are not working, try unblocking them with a pin. Top up the screenwash before the MOT so that the jets and wipers can be tested properly.

7. Bodywork – cosmetic rust won’t fail an MOT, but rust can cause an issue if it is in danger of weakening the car’s structure. Any projections from the car will be an automatic fail as they can be a danger to other road users or pedestrians – duct tape will get you through the MOT temporarily. Inside, seatbelts should not be worn or frayed, and fasten securely. Number plates must be visible, so you might want to consider washing the car before the MOT!

8. Mirrors – check that all mirrors are clean and undamaged. Mirror stickers over broken or cracked mirrors are acceptable, as long as they are secure.

9. Doors – ensure all doors open and close from inside and out. The boot must also close and fasten securely. It might be a good idea to clear your boot out before taking the car for its MOT.

Servicing

It is advisable to book your car in for a service regularly too. It’s not just a ploy by the manufacturers: regular servicing is really important to keep your car in top condition.