Next Level Safety: 5-star NHTSA rating for all-new KIA Sorento

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• KIA’;s all-new Sorento CUV earns NHTSA’;s highest rating^*


• Sorento’;s extensive use of advanced high strength steel makes KIA’;s largest CUV stiffer and more durable than ever


• New Sorento combines a strong base with additional design improvements to reduce NVH and provide a comfortable and quiet interior environment

(SEOUL) April 24, 2015 - The all-new KIA Sorento CUV has received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’;s (NHTSA) 5-star overall safety rating in the U.S.A. Built in the U.S. at KIA Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG)^**, Sorento is KIA Motors America’;s best-selling CUV, having sold more than 100 000 units each of the past 5 years, and offers a long list of standard safety features and an expertly engineered body structure.

“NHTSA’;s recent 5-star rating of the Sorento is a testament to KIA’;s commitment to safety.  The Sorento is KIA’;s most capable CUV ever, yet still offers customers the tremendous value Kia is known for,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning.  “Meant for customers with active lifestyles, Sorento is the perfect getaway vehicle for adventurers and families on the go, and they can feel confident knowing their vehicle scored a 5-star NHTSA rating – the highest rating achievable from NHTSA.”

The core of the all-new Sorento is its significantly enhanced platform. The structure increases torsional rigidity by 14% over the previous generation Sorento. The unit-body consists of 53% Advanced High Strength Steel, a 115% increase over the previous model.  Liberal application of industrial strength adhesives, the use of dual-seal lip joints as well as large diameter and laser welding techniques combine to make the new model the most robust and durable Sorento ever.

Additional Notes:

* Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’;s (NHTSA’;s) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov).

** The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) for the U.S. market are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. For most other markets, the Sorento is manufactured in South Korea at the Hwasung Plant.

Next Level Safety: 5-star NHTSA rating for all-new KIA Sorento

2016 Ford Explorer Priced, New Variety-Topping Trim Level Added

Ford’s heavily refreshed Explorer is due out soon, and so it is time for the company to release official pricing for the stylish 3-row family members hauler. Although the base Explorer rings in at the same $ 31,595, the mid- and upper-level XLT and Limited see $ 400 and $ 3100 increases, whilst the zesty Sport model’s MSRP rises by $ 200. The all-new, variety-topping Platinum breaks new ground for the Explorer line by beginning above $ 50,000. Full pricing, model-by-model, under:

Explorer: $ 31,595 (+$ 2000 for all-wheel drive) contains Ford’s 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 with a 6-speed automatic transmission, LED low-beam headlights, LED taillights, 18-inch aluminum wheels, Sync voice-operated infotainment system, a 6-way power driver’s seat, fold-flat third-row seat, cruise control, and remote keyless entry. Options consist of Ford’s $ 995 285-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine and $ 170 inflatable rear seatbelts.

Explorer XLT: $ 34,295 (+$ 2000 for all-wheel drive) adds physique-colour bumpers, door mirrors, and door handles metal-look grille fog lamps 8-way power driver’s seat 6-way energy passenger seat leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and backup sensors. Possibilities include Ford’s $ 995 285-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine the $ 1500 Gear Group 201A (9-speaker premium audio program, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate handle, remote engine beginning) the $ 3000 Gear Group 202A (same as 201A, but adds front parking sensors, a comfort package, and leather seats), and a $ 650 bundle with blind-spot monitoring, inflatable rear seatbelts, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross targeted traffic alert, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Explorer Restricted: $ 42,195 (+$ 2000 for all-wheel drive) adds 20-inch aluminum wheels, silver-finished grille, energy-opening tailgate, Sync with MyFord Touch, leather seating surfaces, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, power tilting/telescoping steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, power-folding third-row seat, dual-zone automatic climate handle, memory seat settings, front parking sensors, front and rear self-cleaning parking cameras, and remote engine beginning. Choices include Ford’s $ 995 285-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine a $ 2000 security package code-named Gear Group 301A (rain-sensing windshield wipers, inflatable rear seatbelts, auto-dimming door mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, Active Park Help self-parking program, lane-departure warning, and lane-maintaining assist and a $ 1595 dual-panel sunroof.

Explorer Sport: $ 44,195 all-wheel drive is standard, as is Ford’s 365-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. Sport-distinct gear contains a sports suspension, an engine-oil cooler, 20-inch wheels with painted inserts, and black-painted grille and door mirrors. Relative to the Limited, the Sport does with out common heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, power-folding third-row seat, or energy adjustable pedals. All of that, plus navigation, blind-spot monitoring, inflatable rear seatbelt airbags, rear cross-visitors alert, and power-folding door mirrors can be had in the $ 4300 Equipment Group 401A bundle. Other essential options contain a $ 1595 dual-panel sunroof, $ 1150 adaptive cruise control, and $ 550 foot-activation for the power tailgate.

Explorer Platinum: $ 53,495 adds unique 20-inch wheels and a chrome grille, door mirrors, and exterior trim. Also adds a the Sport’s twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 and a dual-panel sunroof as standard, as well as automatic high beams, a wood steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, navigation, blind-spot monitoring, Active Park Help, rear cross-visitors alert, lane-maintaining assist, and inflatable rear seatbelts. The only choices contain a $ 150 center rear console (which requires the $ 695 second-row captain’s chair selection) and a $ 1995 DVD rear-seat entertainment system.

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The actually big news in Explorer-land is the new Platinum trim, which marks new value territory for the Explorer. At more than $ 53K, is an Explorer nonetheless worth cutting the verify? That observation will have to wait for our first drive of the refreshed-for-2016 model, but in the meantime, it is worth celebrating that the lesser Explorers’ optional EcoBoost 4-cylinder can for the very first time be paired with all-wheel drive. The old 4 wasn’t effective sufficient to deal with the AWD Explorer’s mass—it was barely capable of maintaining it collectively with the FWD Explorer’s mass—but the bigger new turbo 4 pumps out a almost as a lot horsepower as the base V-6 (285 compared to 290) and way much more torque (305 lb-ft compared to a measly 255). Fuel economy information ought to be out soon, which will confirm regardless of whether the burlier EcoBoost 4 matches or exceeds the old one’s EPA ratings, but we prescribe to the notion that more power must up genuine-globe efficiency given that drivers will not need to put the spurs to the factor just to hold pace with Priuses. As for the rest of the Explorer, well, it should prove as compelling as ever—especially the enjoyable Sport model—and, as a bonus, it now appears even more like a Variety Rover.

2016 Ford Explorer Priced, New Variety-Topping Trim Level Added

Ram Rebels from Restraint With, Um, Intriguing New Trim Level

“It’s not for absolutely everyone.”

That  understatement comes from Bob Hegbloom, chief of Ram Truck, in reference to the Ram Rebel, the newest trim level for the brand’s most well-liked model, the 1500. Chrysler designed the blacked-out, lifted, extroverted Rebel to appeal to the many clients who modify their pickups immediately following taking delivery. You know who you are.

The list of particular touches on Ram’s new factory custom is expansive. This is the very first Ram pickup because 1990 to be without a crosshair grille. Hegbloom says they’ll “check acceptance of the look” to figure out how typically Ram strays from the signature styling trait in the future. We’re not fans.

The “interlocking” grille is black, as is pretty significantly all of the exterior trim on the  truck. Front and rear bumpers are powder-coated. Wheel flares come from the Energy Wagon (a far more intense off-roader). The hood comes from the Ram 1500 Sport. There’s no mistaking who builds this truck, thanks to the huge RAM lettering on the grille and on the tailgate (the letters on the back are a full 5 inches high).

The Rebel package isn’t solely about looks, though. 6teen-inch cast-aluminum wheels hold meaty, 33-inch Toyo Open Nation A/T tires designed to help the Rebel make the most of its skid plates, tow hooks, and ground clearance. All Rebels have the 1500’s optional air suspension, but on this truck it is raised a single inch higher than usual and has Bilstein dampers all around.
The Rebel will be obtainable only as a crew cab with the 5-foot-6-inch bed, but owners can pick between the 305-hp 3.6-liter V-6 and the 395-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 2 rear-end ratios are accessible, also. 4-wheel drive is not normal, but 2WD Rebels will have the identical simple suspension.

5 paint colors are offered—including monotone remedies, you may possibly be pleased to find out if you find the truck in these photographs to be on the tacky side. The standard—and only—Rebel interior setup is black with red and gray highlights. And lots of Rebel and Ram logos. The seats are decorated with prominent depictions of the tread on the truck’s Toyo tires it sounds dubious, but the seats are arguably the coolest of the a lot of custom touches on the Rebel.

Pricing hasn’t been released for the Rebel, which goes on sale in the second quarter of 2015. For these who are counting, the Rebel is the tenth trim level for the Ram 1500. We figure that’s at least 5 as well many.

Ram Rebels from Restraint With, Um, Intriguing New Trim Level