2016 Lexus ES Photos and Information: Effortless-Livin’ Luxury, Updated

We admire confidence, especially when it comes to auto design. So we tip our hats to Lexus, which has gone all-in with the grille. Controversial although it might be, the brand’s “spindle grille” does not look to have turned off sufficient buyers to stop it from spreading—literally—across all members of the Lexus lineup. Now it has reached the innocuous ES midsize sedan.

To be fair, the current-gen ES has dabbled in the spindle-grille scene to a small extent with its 2013 redesign, but now the refreshed model shows it is fully committed. The headlamps and fog lamps have in turn turn into jagged assemblages of metal and glass, considerably like these of the new 2016 RX. For a sporty coupe like the RC350, the present Lexus look is probably a lot more fitting. For the ES, it is fairly radical.

Modifications are subtler elsewhere on the vehicle. The taillamps adopt L-shaped innards like the rest of the Lexus lineup, while the chrome garnish spanning the rear seems a bit better integrated than prior to. Wheel designs are fresh, measuring 17- to 20-inches in diameter, and the tailpipes on the ES350 are now—are you sitting down?—rectangular. Oh, and the hybrid badge on the gas-electric model has changed. It nevertheless says “hybrid”, but it’s distinct.

Inside, new interior color combos and finishes consist of Flaxen brown, Parchment, and gray and black upholstery, as well as piano black, dark wood, Birdseye maple, or matte-finished bamboo trim. The center show among the instruments has turn out to be a 4.2-in TFT unit, and Lexus’s Remote Touch interface sprouts 2 “Enter” buttons on either side to make it simpler to, um, enter factors. Otherwise, there are no further alterations to report.

For the U.S. marketplace, the ES will not come with Lexus’ turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder—at least not yet—so the ES350 and ES300h hybrid remain the sole model offerings, although particular global markets (such as China, where the car is creating its international debut at the Shanghai auto show) will offer 2.- or 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engines underhood. The ES also will now feature the new low-price Lexus Security Technique+, which combines adaptive cruise handle, auto high beams, forward collision alert, auto-braking with pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning.

Given the mild nature of this makeover, we don’t count on rates for the U.S. versions to adjust considerably from today’s $ 38,625 for the ES350 and $ 41,505 for the hybrid. Will the grille help or hurt sales for this traditionally sturdy-promoting entry sedan? We shall see how its usually benign consumer base reacts once sales commence, likely later this year.

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2016 Lexus ES Photos and Information: Effortless-Livin’ Luxury, Updated

2016 Chevrolet Spark Revealed: GM Lights a Fire Beneath its Tiny Hatchback – Official Photos and Info

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2016 Chevrolet Spark Revealed: GM Lights a Fire Beneath its Tiny Hatchback – Official Photos and Info

2016 Kia Optima Photos and Info: Larger and Optimized for Sales Development

The Kia Optima’s prior full redesign was somewhat shocking. Formerly a forgettable-hunting, cheaper sibling to Hyundai’s Sonata, the Optima abruptly became the hotter of the sisters. Courtesy of ex–Volkswagen Group designer Peter Schreyer, Kia’s household sedan looked like the Passat we could’ve had if VW hadn’t dowdified the thing when it enlarged the vehicle for the American market place. 5 years soon after the final car’s reveal at the New York show, Kia is hoping to maintain the magic going with this all-new model.

The new car is swoopier and probably a tad much more futuristic-looking than the previous model, losing a small bit of its Germanic presence in the update. The larger rear lights appear much more Tokyo than Teutonic, whilst the widened signature “tiger nose” grille suggests some sort of cybernetic unibrow. The greenhouse has much more of a fastback lilt, and the bigger daylight opening suggests much better outward visibility at the cost of the last car’s perfectly contemporary proportions.

Kia claims the new body structure is 150 % stiffer than the outgoing model’s. It also says it has stiffened the wheels, engine mounts, and body panels. The work goes toward each quelling NVH and improving handling. Provided that we had been impressed by the new Sonata’s dynamic improvements, we don’t doubt that Kia has place in time in this arena, as well. Undercarriage upgrades include extra bushings on the subframe mounts, suspension-mounting points moved farther outboard, and larger dual rear reduced control arms. The wheelbase is up by .4 inch, to 110.4, although girth increases by 1 inch. Wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches.

Engine alternatives match the Sonata’s, so there’s a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder, a 2.-liter turbo 4, and a 1.6-liter turbo 4. The initial 2 are paired with a 6-speed automatic, while the 1.6 matches up to Hyundai/Kia’s 6-speed dual-clutch. Kia hasn’t finalized output numbers, but it estimates 185 hp and 178 lb-ft from the 2.4, 247 hp and 260 lb-ft from the 2.0T, and 178 hp and 195 lb-ft from the 1.6.

Inside, the interior gets genuine stitching along the dash and doors—something that’s frequently simulated at this price point. Kia also touts focus paid to seat comfort, crediting improvement in that location to a stiffer frame and denser, much more supportive foam. Heated and ventilated energy-adjustable front chairs are offered. Depending on trim level—the roster is LX, LX Turbo, EX, SX, SX Turbo, and SXL—seating surfaces are covered in cloth, leather, or uplevel nappa leather. Because the mid-1980s are back, the new vehicle offers dark aubergine and merlot among its interior-colour options.

Kia’s Uvo infotainment method now has massive-brother systems for teen drivers, including geofencing, speed alert, curfew alert, and “driving score.” Germane to adult and teen drivers alike, the new Optima is the first Kia to function each Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Streamed tunes can be bumped by means of a 630-watt Infinity technique with 14 speakers.

Other electronic company contains a suite of offered driver aids such as a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic braking. These may possibly help maintain your new Optima in 1 piece. The auto now can be fitted with active, HID headlamps, as nicely as automatic higher beams.

Offered that the Optima’s slight aesthetic downgrade isn’t the backward stylistic step that the Sonata took, and provided that we anticipate the Hyundai’s all round dynamic and comfort improvements to be generally mirrored by the Kia, the sexier sib remains the a lot more desirable of the pair. Now if they’d only deign to give us a Sportspace-looking wagon variant . . .

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2016 Kia Optima Photos and Info: Larger and Optimized for Sales Development

2016 Hyundai Tucson Photos and Information: Bigger-Hunting, Greater-Searching

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Re-equipped for the compact-crossover war.

It can be a tough game, winning interest for a new model at an auto show, especially at this year’s Geneva affair, which is crowded with new supercars such as the Audi R8, the Ferrari 488GTB, and the McLaren P1 GTR. So Hyundai is showing its new 2016 Tucson a tiny early.

It could not be a supercar, but there’s plenty that’s promising about the new Tucson. And even though the choice to unveil it in Europe implies most of the particulars are certain to the European version, we can undoubtedly fill you in on the basics.

1st, this car is going to be called the Tucson everywhere the ix35 name that was used in some markets for the last-generation model is officially dead. The Tucson will be constructed in both South Korea and the Czech Republic, with U.S. versions supplied from Asia. Mechanically, it’s pretty significantly as before—despite Hyundai’s claim that it sits on an all-new platform—with transverse-mounted engines and the selection of either front- or all-wheel drive by way of an electronically controlled clutch ahead of the rear axle.

Exterior styling was the work of Hyundai’s European studio in Germany, and it appears like a reasonably handsome factor to us. The company’s California style center did the classy interior. The new automobile appears larger than the final 1, thanks in large element to its square-set front profile and quite tall hood, but the variations in dimensions are actually little. At 176.2 inches in length, it is just 2.6 inches longer than just before. An unusual design and style detail is the asymmetric wheel arches, which have an arc of black plastic cladding that increases their perceived size.

As to what’s under the hood, we know that European versions leading out with a 1.6-liter turbo that’s excellent for 174 horsepower and will be offered with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. That engine replaces the old 2.4-liter 4 in Australia, for instance, and could do so in the States, as well. Other non-European markets get a direct-injected 2.-liter 4, which we count on would be the U.S.-market’s normal engine. We’re also told there will be a performance version, carrying the branding of Hyundai’s new “N” efficiency division (all the very good letters possessing currently been taken) it will probably use a tuned version of the 1.6-liter turbo generating about 200 horsepower. Again, there’s no confirmation that this will come to the States. There’s also no word on regardless of whether Hyundai will once more offer a fuel-cell version.

In addition to the anticipated higher levels of gear availability, the Tucson is set to launch with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The 2016 Tucson will go on sale right here this summer, soon after Hyundai reveals much more U.S.–specific information at the New York auto show in April, exactly where the brand will not have to shout to be heard more than the din surrounding new Ferraris and McLarens in Geneva.

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Far more Photos of the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor You Say? Why, Yes, Have This High-Res Goodness

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

Ford may possibly have owned the 2015 Detroit auto show, but not every single element of it auto-show performance was to our liking. Take, for instance, Ford’;s debut of the epic 2017 F-150 Raptor. Positive, with an anticipated 450–500 horsepower, yoga-like levels of suspension articulation, and bad-ass appears, it’;s awesome. but why was the show-floor instance so . . . clean? C’;mon, Ford, get it together—cover this factor in mud STAT. The bright side is that the truck’;s cleanliness permitted us to capture its every single detail in these glorious pictures.

Like the original Raptor, the 2017 model wears huge “Ford” lettering across its grille, and, thanks to its width, federally mandated marker lights.

Oh, look, Ford slapped “Ford” lettering on the tailgate, also. Nice.

Sweet pumped-out fenders look even sweeter with gnarly decals.

This view greatest shows off the Raptor’;s added width relative to pedestrian F-150s.

In place of the outgoing Raptor’;s 411-hp 6.2-liter V-8, the new Raptor gets the very first of Ford’;s next-generation twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engines. Output is anticipated to crest 450 horsepower, far more than adequate to break cost-free from this caged auto-show purgatory.

Bolted to the new EcoBoost engine is Ford’;s first 10-speed automatic. Also sitting amidships? A novel transfer case that can switch in between standard locked 4-wheel drive and an automatic all-wheel drive setup.

As did the regular F-150, the Raptor switches to a fully aluminum body. The frame is nonetheless steel, and it has been reinforced relative to the non-Raptor F-150′s. Combined with a composite hood and front fenders, the new body supplies chop a claimed 500 pounds from the truck’;s curb w7

The slight stadium-truck-style upkick to the rear quarter panel is each new and amazing. Also new is a correct dual-exhaust technique with a pair of rear-bumper outlets.

In case you had been curious, yes, the 2017 Ford F-150′s doors do open. Just like a normal F-150′s, as well!

The 17-inch aluminum wheels look excellent, but the 35-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K02 tires really steal the show.

Yes, that’;s a stripe marking top-dead center on the steering wheel. When you happen to be bouncing across the desert at triple-digit speeds, such a factor is really handy.

The Raptor will be available in 2 wheelbases when it goes on sale. A shorter 133-inch length (extended cab) and a longer 145-inch size for the 4-door SuperCrew model. You happen to be seeking at the extended-cab (SuperCab) model.

Remote-reservoir, internal bypass Fox Racing shocks are the Raptor’;s killer app, capable of chewing up large obstacles at speed and spitting them back out with no complaint. Ford upped the diameter of the shocks from 2.5 inches to 3. for 2017.

In addition to embiggening the shocks, Ford also increased suspension travel front and rear. The front now articulates a complete 11.2 inches, even though the strong rear axle can swing by way of a 12.1-inch variety. This need to make certain that Raptor owners see their fair share of consequence-free of charge jumps. Can you inform we’;re excited to drive this point?

Far more Photos of the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor You Say? Why, Yes, Have This High-Res Goodness

Promoting a vehicle? Very good photos make a distinction

Lots of Aussies sell their vehicle each and every year. And even though the condition, mileage and engine specifications are essential, initial impressions can make a huge distinction too. CANSTAR caught up with Vladka Kazda, Chief Marketing and advertising Officer for carsales.com.au, to get some insider ideas on the all-important selling shots.

Q: When it comes to promoting your auto, how essential is it to have wonderful photos?

A: Obtaining wonderful photos is without a doubt one of the critical factors to a swift and productive sale.

Photos differentiate your ad from the rest and encourage higher interest right away. Photographs allow potential purchasers to quite swiftly get a feel for your car and frequently fall in enjoy with it on the web!

The more photos you can provide of your car’s interior and exterior, the more self-assurance and trust you give interested purchasers.

By showcasing your automobile at each angle up front, you encourage the most genuine buyers and limit the number of inspections required to get to a sale. With really great photos, the initial to see genuinely will acquire!

At carsales, we recognise how critical photos are, which is why we’re the only internet site to provide unlimited pictures with every single ad. We also supply a premium photography service that comes to your door for these that want a skilled touch.

Q: What are some of the “must have” images to include?

A: While there is no rule to what photographs you should have, the basic rule is the more of the automobile you can capture, inside and out, the greater. Below is a guide of the most important angles to capture:

• Front drivers side 3 quarter


• Side shot (drivers side)


• Rear drivers side 3 quarter


• Rear on shot


• Rear passenger 3 quarter


• Side shot (passenger side)


• Front passenger side 3 quarter


• Front on shot


• Drivers side interior


• Passenger side interior


• Rear interior


• Engine bay


• Boot

If you genuinely want to give the purchaser the complete picture and differentiate yourself from other folks, I’d suggest also like the following:

• Service books (excluding any personal info in the images of course)


• Sunroof


• Alloy wheels


• Accessories


• Factory choices (cruise manage, stereo and so on)

Q: Must you incorporate pictures of any defects, as properly as the excellent points?

A: If your automobile has a scratch or a dent, do not be afraid to incorporate it in your images. All utilized cars have some imperfections and buyers choose to know up front.

It’s critical to disclose anything that could be a main concern, such as a large dent or a massive tear in a seat, nevertheless there is a limit to how far you need to have to go. A tiny tiny stone chip on the bonnet is regarded fair wear and tear and not anything you should require to highlight.

Q: In your expertise, what variety of background operates well?

A: The ideal backgrounds are uncluttered, largely a single colour and do not detract from the car. Avoid obtaining other automobiles, men and women or something else that can distract the buyer’s eye.

Finding a massive wall painted in 1 colour is often very good and is something you can usually locate at your nearby industrial region or purchasing centre. Attempt and decide on a colour that contrasts the colour of your auto to help it stand out.

And just to be protected, ideal to steer clear of images that reveal any personal particulars such as where you reside or the auto is kept.

Promoting a vehicle? Very good photos make a distinction

Aston Martin Drops Photos of 2016 Lagonda Super Sedan, Information Brutal Hot Weather Testing

Is it possible for a vehicle to be as well pretty to torture test? The 2016 Aston Martin Lagonda might just qualify, but it is undergoing totally savage-sounding hot-climate testing anyway. The limited-production Lagonda sedan will be sold exclusively sold in the Middle East, therefore the brutal higher-temperature evaluations, but more crucial than the 4-door’s (admittedly) anticipated hot-air gauntlet is that Aston Martin has lastly released its own pictures of it.

Earlier this month, the Lagonda super-sedan was kinda, sorta accidentally previewed to the world by Oman Air, Aston’s transportation partner to the Middle East. As opposed to the airline’s “leaked” photos, Aston’s are far a lot more flattering, coffee table book–grade pieces, but still reveal only the car’s exterior. That is okay by us, however—the point is just so damn beautiful.

The slick, un-camouflaged auto depicted in the pictures is the very first Lagonda built, according to Aston Martin spokesman Matthew Clarke, and it is a verification test vehicle that’s about 5000 miles into a “Hot Environment” testing cycle. “Broadly representative of a production model,” Clarke says of the automobile, the prototype is deliberately configured in a “worst-case situation for heat—lots of black.” Onboard, the Lagonda carries information loggers that monitor about 85 temperature sensors and give the group with a heat map of the interior and exterior this electronic web possibly explains why we nevertheless don’t have any shots of the car’s interior.

“Air conditioning functionality and efficiency is an clear consideration, but we’re also searching at engine hot begins, durability of components and material performance,” stated Clarke. “One certain test is a ‘heat soak’—the auto is left in direct, peak sunlight for several hours to create cabin trim surface temperatures of circa 80 degrees celsius (176 degrees fahrenheit).”

 

The hot weather testing procedures contain driving the vehicle roughly 500 miles per day more than a 4-week period of time, for a total of 14,000 miles in Oman more than a 30-50 degrees celsius (86–122 degrees fahrenheit) temperature band, according to Clarke. Think of the method as giving the Lagonda a sun-kissed tan, but doing so with out sunscreen, water, or the gentility linked with the word “kissed.”

As for the appear of the automobile itself, there is tiny we see right here that Oman Air didn’t already give away: the front end wears a stern expression, with a broad, horizontal grille and basic LED headlamp particulars. The profile—especially the squared-off C-pillar—is quite formal, and the long, flat hood exudes an air of energy and grace. The Lagonda’s hood’s air extractors are positioned in a lot more or less the same locations as are these on the 577-hp Rapide S, top us to think that it is powered by a related V-12 engine. Provided the Lagonda’s loftier position, nevertheless, we’d count on it will get a bit much more energy. We can also see that, like all current Astons, all 4 of the Lagonda’s doors open out and up a slight, curb-clearing angle.

Beyond what we can see, even so, details are thin it isn’t presently clear how considerably of the body is carbon fiber or some other exotic material, or if any such material is employed at all. The car’s underpinnings, too, are a mystery the architecture most probably is shared with the Rapide S, but there’s a opportunity it utilizes elements from Aston’s next-generation automobile architecture. Oh, and as we already mentioned, Aston Martin still hasn’t shown off the Lagonda’s interior.

What we do know is this: No far more than 200 examples of this beautiful sedan will be built—expect buyer deliveries to commence by this time subsequent year—and the thing’s A/C ought to be on point. It will only be sold in the Middle East, and possibly for lots, and lots, and lots of funds.

Aston Martin Drops Photos of 2016 Lagonda Super Sedan, Information Brutal Hot Weather Testing

2016 Mazda MX-five Miata Debuts: Photos and Info on the Fourth-Gen Icon!

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The newest Miata is modern, muscular, and nevertheless a small mysterious.

Mazda is a tiny firm, which provides it specific advantages more than its behemoth rivals in developing focused goods. Mazda’s size also appears to assist it maintain secrets. When we got our 1st glimpse of the all-new 2016 MX-5 Miata a few days before its global reveal—in the form of 2 low-resolution images, each partially obscured by “Not For Publication” type—we have been as genuinely shocked as we had been excited. Now this is a sports auto.

We’ve now seen the 2016 Miata in the flesh. Our observations can be summarized thusly: It looks even far better in person, its interior supplies are as nice as those in any other Mazda, it really is lengthy and low like a appropriate sports automobile, and its maker really does not want you to know anything much more about the automobile just but. The darkness occluding its technical attributes is so complete that “Eclipse” would make a good nickname for the auto. Mitsubishi most likely wouldn’t even notice.

“Modern” is the word Derek Jenkins, design director at Mazda North America, uses to describe the 4th-generation MX-5 Miata. “Muscular” may well have worked, also, as the lines and stance of the new vehicle are as aggressively masculine as something Mazda has developed given that the lengthy-lamented RX-7. The new automobile has a longer wheelbase and a longer hood, while retaining the short rear end and stubby decklid. Mazda dealers will be content to hang this new sports auto on their racks alongside the 3 and the 6, elegantly fleshing out the brand’s stylish, Kodo-fied wardrobe. (Kodo is the name of Mazda’s present styling language.)

Jenkins says the new style evolves the MX-5 Miata further away from its British roadster roots by adopting a far more planted stance. Exactly where those automobiles normally emphasized horizontal lines parallel to the ground and looked as if their bodies have been riding atop their wheels, a fashion carried forward to the outgoing Miata, the new automobile is decrease and integrates the wheels into the tall, curved fenders. The grille and headlights give the MX-5 Miata a clear loved ones resemblance, and their low placement is crucial to the aggressive appear. This was produced achievable by lowering the engine in the chassis, but there’s also some visual sleight of hand played right here with the curve of the hood and some other detailing.

A black windshield surround equivalent to that of the 2015 25th Anniversary edition auto will be standard, and it aids accentuate the sleekness of the automobile. It also matches the darker wheels that Mazda will be specifying for most versions. Not only will these wheels resist showing brake dust, but the fact that they visually blend with the tire sidewalls assists obtain the look of a full wheel properly even in 16- and 17-inch sizes.

Inside the new MX-5 Miata, which will share its architecture but not its styling or engines with a Fiat roadster, much of the gear is borrowed from the Mazda 3, like the rotary handle knob in the center console and the infotainment screen perched atop the dashboard. The higher-backed bucket seats that have constantly graced the Miata’s cockpit appear again right here. Other features we noticed: 2 USB ports on the center stack, a couple of flimsy pop-up cup holders near the rear bulkhead, and a windblocker that appears equivalent to outgoing car’;s. We also spotted 2 sensor openings at the prime of windshield behind the rearview mirror, indicating the Miata likely will provide at least adaptive cruise manage and lane-departure warning. (The auto on display was Japanese-spec it’;s unknown at this point which of these attributes will make it to the U.S. version.)

Mazda says it aimed to take 200 pounds or a lot more out of the new auto, which would put it in between 2250 and 2300 pounds on our scales. As shown by the car’s chassis, which was displayed at this year’s New York auto show, expect a heavy dose of aluminum in its mix of components.

To our eyes, the 4th-generation ND MX-5 Miata is closer to the second-generation NB car than the outgoing NC. The new design also reminds us of the way Jaguar evolved some of the classic E-sort lines to generate its new F-type. There’s no arguing that the 2016 Miata is unquestionably contemporary.

It is strange to think of the Miata as something but. This was, after all, the car that took the classic roadster perfect and updated it for a entire new generation of enthusiasts. That original Miata represented the pinnacle of 1980s Japanese design and engineering flattery, “retro” carried out much better than any of the more obvious heritage-mining cars that have followed in its wake, such as the Volkswagen New Beetle and the Ford Thunderbird. We have Mazda to thank as nicely for goading Porsche into building the Boxster, BMW the Z3 and Z4, and Mercedes-Benz the SLK.

The MX-5 Miata has aged gracefully in the intervening years, its legacy possessing grown stronger than these of its forebears, but it has nevertheless aged. For the ever-graying fortysomethings who may possibly wish each and every morning to relive that summer of 1989 when the now-venerable Miata debuted, there stay precious few vehicles that come close to achieving that time-machine impact. We count on this new edition to carry on the tradition.

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Kia reveals first official photos of Third Generation Kia Sorento

(SOUTH AFRICA), 11 August 2014. First photos of the all-new Kia Sorento released today confirm that the third generation of the popular SUV will feature a new look, with bold, swept-back styling and sophisticated surface detailing.

Longer, lower and wider, with an extended wheelbase, the new Sorento builds on the success of the outgoing model, delivering a premium look and feel, with more space and numerous innovative features.

With the brand’;s hallmark design features and a more mature appearance, the new model is instantly recognizable as a Sorento. The new look is an evolution of the current vehicle, incorporating fresh visual elements inspired by the Kia Cross GT concept that debuted at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, carrying over the long bonnet and the distinctive treatment of the wide D-pillars from the previous generation.

The exterior styling of the new Sorento was led by Kia’;s Namyang design studio in Korea, with significant levels of input from the brand’;s Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, California design studios.

The front of new Sorento features a larger, more upright ‘tiger-nose’; grille, with a distinctive 3-dimensional diamond pattern, and long, swept-back headlamps. The lower roofline, higher beltline and more muscular, rounded shoulders at the rear give the car a dramatic appearance.

The sleeker look is enhanced by an increase in length (+95 mm to 4,780 mm)* and a 15 mm reduction in height (down to 1,685 mm), while the 80 mm longer wheelbase (now 2,780 mm) ensures more passenger space in all 3 seat rows.

Soon-Nam Lee, Vice President of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corp., said, “While we have retained the name based on the tremendous success of the outgoing model, the all-new Sorento has been completely redesigned and re-engineered, and promises to surprise customers with its thoroughly updated styling, a host of new convenience and safety technologies, as well as enhanced space, driving comfort and handling response.”

The all-new Kia Sorento will be showcased in Korea in late August and make its European premiere on Thursday, 2 October, at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

Kia reveals first official photos of Third Generation Kia Sorento

2015 Ford Focus ST Photos and Info: Fresh Looks, Verified Power

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Revised appears, a freshened interior—and newly obtainable stripes!

• MICHAEL SIMARI AND


• THE MANUFACTURER

The Goodwood Festival of Speed, held annually on the grounds of Goodwood Residence in West Sussex, England, is a mecca for speed freaks. Began primarily as a showcase for historic marques, it has ballooned to incorporate all manner of wheeled lunacy, and this year’s event contains the debut of the refreshed 2015 Ford Focus ST. A definite C/D preferred, the present Concentrate ST is each a 10Best winner and a member in excellent standing of our long-term test fleet.

Native Son, Globe-Class Reputation

Though Ford was born in America, the brand has lengthy reserved a special location in its heart for the U.K. (and Britons a particular place in their heart for the brand), so it tends to make sense that the most recent ST would make its debut there.

As with the already revealed 2015 hatchback and sedan, the new ST’s tweaks start with a refreshed front fascia. The look involves a set of sleeker headlight units that imbue it with a squintier and slightly more aggressive countenance. LED running lamps are regular, whilst the ST2 and ST3 trim levels have HID headlights. The grille is slightly larger, but it retains roughly the identical all round shape. Gone, nevertheless, are the thin, fanglike elements that split it into 3 sections.

Best: 2015 Ford Concentrate ST. Bottom: 2014 Ford Concentrate ST.

The reduce area adopts an egg-crate look, and the fog-lamp lenses are now polygonal in shape rather of round. A newly sculpted hood plays nicely into the more aggressive look. Out back, a deeper blackout panel now spans the entire fascia, and the trademark twin hexagonal exhaust finishers carry over.

Gray, 18-inch Rado aluminum wheels are standard, and an extra new wheel design and style and red painted calipers are optional. Magnetic Metallic replaces Ingot Silver in the exterior colour palette, and buyers can now add stripes—in Satin Black and Higher Gloss Red—to their automobiles. Doing so also nets matching mirror caps.

The interior gets a couple of updates of its own, which includes a redesigned center stack with new finishes and a supposedly improved climate-manage interface, a new center console with far more storage and a “smart charging” (Ford claims it charges twice as quick as the old 1) USB port, and revised door inners with integrated cup holders. A new flat-bottomed steering wheel covered in “soft-feel” leather arrives (with heating as an option), and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat makes it effortless for drivers of all sizes to get comfy and to find an optimal driving position.

The standard ST1 gets seats covered in dark fabric, while the ST2 adds partial leather and gives purchasers the choice of Tangerine Scream, Overall performance Blue, Smoke Storm, or Race Red accents for the bottoms and side bolsters. In the ST3, the seats are upholstered in no-nonsense, full-on black leather. Aggressive Recaro front seats are normal in the ST2 and ST3.

Dynamically Speaking

To maintain the Concentrate ST’s driving dynamics on point, the maker asked Ford Team RS—the European arm of Ford’s Worldwide Performance Automobile group—to give the chassis a onceover. The result involves new springs all around, sportier damping characteristics, and retuned electric energy steering for better feel. Back for ’15 is the 252-hp, 2.-liter EcoBoost turbocharged 4 and 6-speed manual transmission—after all, why mess with confirmed combo? That is, unless you’re talking about the highly anticipated Concentrate RS, a car that promises to top the ST in raw functionality. In that case, mess away.

It goes without mentioning that Ford Sync will be onboard for 2015, full with the developer-friendly Sync AppLink. Ford says there are at the moment a lot more than 60 AppLink-enabled Android and iOS apps accessible, which, okay. For us, the actual beauty of any Focus ST has nothing at all to do with apps or touch screens. Nope, the beauty is in firing it up, grabbing a gear, and letting ’er rip.

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