2014 New York International Auto Show: A Recap

2014 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW RECAP:

            The 2014 New York International Auto Show began last week in New York City. The New York Auto Show is the second largest American auto show of the year, and, like the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit that is held each January, there are plenty of new and exciting introductions. Let’s take a look at them:

ACURA: Acura unveiled the production version of its TLX sports sedan that was first shown at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) back in January, sporting a new design, and technology features from the larger RLX touring sedan. The TLX will feature I4 or V6 power trains, most likely with automatic or manual transmission options. A Hybrid version will also become available later next year.

BMW: BMW showed off the American version of its all-new X4 compact Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) that was first shown at Geneva last month. Featuring a coupe-like design and an exterior design inspired by the larger X6 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), the X4 is based on the 4 Series line of vehicles, and will offer either front-wheel-drive or xDrive all-wheel-drive, with either I4 or V6 power trains. An X4 M model will most likely become available in the near future.

CHEVROLET: Chevrolet surprised the New York International Auto Show crowd by introducing the Trax compact crossover SUV. Currently sold in all markets except the U.S., and originally not scheduled to be sold there, Chevrolet has finally found the market for its compact crossover, which shares its platform with the Buick Encore, a similar vehicle. In other news, the Corvette Z-06 roadster was also unveiled at the show.

DODGE: To celebrate turning 100 years old, Dodge introduced the all-new 2015 Challenger and Charger. Featuring new transmissions, a revised exterior design, and new technology, Dodge can be commended for making their best-selling full-sized vehicles better than ever before.

FORD: Ford showed off the North American version of the newly-restyled Focus Hatchback, Electric, ST, and Sedan. Offering Aston Martin-like styling details, the new Focus will appeal to teenagers and young adults looking for an affordable, yet good-looking compact sedan that sips fuel. Perhaps the biggest news for Ford was putting the all-new 2015 Mustang pony car atop the 86^th observation deck on the Empire State Building. To accomplish this, Ford cut the Mustang into multiple pieces and placed it on the same exact elevator that was used to transport the original 1964 ½ Mustang to the observation deck. The all-new Mustang was available to view on the observation deck on April 17^th, 2014, which marked the 50^th anniversary of the Ford Mustang (Ford also introduced a 2014 ½ Mustang, which will be finished in Wimbledon White Clear Coat with a black-and-white interior, a unique color combination for the 50^th Anniversary Edition 2014 ½ car).

HONDA: Honda introduced the production version of the Urban Compact Sport Utility Vehicle, now called the HR-V. Similar in size to a Nissan Juke, the HR-V appeals to buyers who want a CR-V but want to spend their money wisely and don’t want something as large as the CR-V.

JEEP: Jeep showed off the North American version of its all-new Renegade subcompact “B-Segment” sport utility vehicle, and provided additional details about the vehicle.

LEXUS: Lexus introduced its NX compact lineup of sport utility vehicles. Available in both gasoline and hybrid versions, and based off of the all-new 2013 Toyota RAV4, the NX offers luxury crossover shoppers a smaller alternative to the more expensive RX midsized sport utility vehicle. The production version of the RF and RF F-Sport coupes, based on the all-new 2014 IS and IS F-Sport sport sedans.

MAZDA: To celebrate the 25^th anniversary of its MX-5 Miata sports roadster, Mazda introduced an Anniversary Edition of the car, along with many Miata vehicles of different generations on display for all to see. Mazda also previewed the concept version of the next-generation MX-5 Miata’s chassis.

NISSAN: Nissan showed off the preproduction model of its all-new Murano midsized crossover, featuring an all-new design while still sticking to its roots. Nissan also showed off the newly-restyled 2015 Juke subcompact crossover, featuring revised front and rear ends and a slightly new interior design.

SUBARU: Subaru unveiled the latest-generation Outback midsized sport utility wagon. With an all-new design and new technology features, the Legacy-based Outback is expected to sell well when it goes on sale in late 2014.

VOLKSWAGEN: Volkswagen decided to show off the concept version of the (previously called the Jetta) Golf Sport Wagen. Already on sale in other markets, the all-new Sport Wagen will offer all-wheel-drive, a Volkswagen first in America. The newly-restyled 2015 Jetta Sedan also bowed, offering better efficiency and more power for the TDI turbocharged diesel model, as well as new technology features. The new Golf, Golf GTI, Golf R, and Golf R400 were also on display for all to see.

That is pretty much the 2014 New York International Auto Show in a nutshell. What was your favorite vehicle from the show and why? Leave a comment below! (:

-Vincent D., Vincent’s Auto Reviews

2013 BMW 328i from Enterprise Rent-a-Car: Review and Test-Drive

2013 BMW 328i Sedan Review: Enterprise Rent-a-Car:

INTRODUCTION:

           

            The BMW 3 Series has been a best-seller ever since it was first introduced. In fact, it’s also made Car and Driver’s 10Best List countless times. And just when you thought the outgoing 3 Series E90, which had been on sale in the United States since 2006, couldn’t get any better, BMW redesigned its best-seller for 2012, under the codename F30. The all-new 3 Series featured an all-new design with BMW’s new design language that debuted on the then-all-new 2009 7 Series F01. It also offered new technological innovations that provided more driving enjoyment and better fuel economy. It comes to no surprise that the current generation BMW 3 Series remains a best seller. Let’s take a look at the 2013 BMW 328i Sedan, as rented from Enterprise Rent-a-Car.

FEATURES:

            While all BMW 3 Series cars are offered in four distinct designs: the Sport, the M Sport, and the Luxury, this particular 328i Sedan came with the Base (ES/SE, in Europe) design. And it’s not to say that the Base design comes standard with many great features (in fact, this 3 Series did not feature very many options). Power is delivered by BMW’s 2.0L “Twin Power” inline four-cylinder with twin-scroll turbochargers. The 2012 328i was the first BMW product to debut the 240-horsepower engine, up 20 horsepower from the outgoing 2011 328i. The engine is mated to BMW’s eight-speed “Tip-Tronic” automatic transmission. This 328i Sedan was finished in the attractive Melbourne Red Metallic, and features a bold black Dakota leather interior with brushed aluminum trim accents that adorn the dashboard and door panels. Standard on the 328i comes features like an eight-speaker, 200-watt premium “Hi-Fi” sound system with an A/M-F/M HD Radio stereo, single-disc CD/MP3 player, jacks for an iPod or other USB device or other auxiliary audio device, as well as Bluetooth (this was only for a Bluetooth phone, and could not stream A2DP Bluetooth Stereo Audio, you’ll have to upgrade to the optional navigation system to get this feature), the basic, newest-generation iDrive system, voice command for your Bluetooth telephone, power front seats with driver’s two-position memory, Comfort Access keyless entry with security system and remote push-button start, SIRIUS-XM Satellite Radio (that includes a six-month paid trial subscription from BMW, which wasn’t active at the time of the rental), attractive “Star Spoke” seventeen-inch alloy wheels with 225/50R17 BSW all-season touring tires from Continental (no spare tire or wheel could be found in the trunk of the vehicle), and of course all the safety features that BMW is known for putting into their cars. Options on this 328i Sedan were limited to a power, tilt-and-sliding sunroof, HomeLink with three memory positions for remote-activated, HomeLink-capable devices such as garage doors, gates, and other security devices, and Dakota leather upholstery (leatherette upholstery comes as standard equipment on the 3 Series Base design).

DRIVING AND BASIC REVIEW:

            This particular BMW 328i Sedan was rented with almost 24,000 miles on its odometer, and the quality on the exterior and interior was still holding up well (not a surprising thing for a BMW). The seats weren’t as comfortable as that of other BMW’s, though the Comfort Seats weren’t equipped on this vehicle. Rear seat leg room was generous, and felt more than that of a BMW E60 5 Series Sedan. Trunk space was also generous. The iDrive system was more tedious to use than the older-generation iDrive systems. The audio system sounded better than BMW’s previous audio systems, though it just couldn’t stand up to the Harman/Kardon Dolby Surround-Sound System. Driving the 328i Sedan was a very pleasant experience. Steering was effortless. The transmission took some getting used to, and the Auto Start/Stop feature, which shuts off the vehicle during stops, and starts the vehicle back up when you press on the accelerator pedal, was annoying. The “Twin Power” engine sounded a bit like an economy car, though the engine is not meant to be a performance-oriented engine, there’s the 335i and M3 Sedans for that purpose. A six-speed manual transmission is also available for those who wish to shift for themselves and get marginally better fuel economy on the highway. $12.00 was all that was required to put the vehicle back up to a ½ tank of 89 Octane Premium-Grade gasoline when the vehicle was returned to Enterprise, and the 328i Sedan hardly even sipped gasoline.

SUMMARY:

In summary, if you’re going on a business trip, vacation, or just want to drive something cool while your car is being repaired, look no further than the 2013 BMW 328i Sedan from Enterprise Rent-a-Car.

-Vincent D., Vincent’s Car Reviews

AT-A-GLANCE:

Base MSRP: $36,850.00 (Excl. Tax and Tags)

Exterior Paint Color: Melbourne Red Metallic

Interior Color and Upholstery Type: Dakota Black Leather

Interior Trim Type: Premium Brushed Aluminum

Fuel Type Required: 89 Octane (Premium) Gasoline

Engine: 2.0L “Twin Power” Inline Four-Cylinder (I4), Twin-Scroll Turbocharged, 240 Horsepower

Transmission: 8-Speed “Tip Tronic” Automatic w/ Start-Stop, Manual Shifting Mode, and Sport Mode, Adaptive Drive Controls

Estimated MSRP, as Equipped: $45,125.00 (Excl. Tax and Tags)

Mileage @ Rental: 23,855 Mile(s)

Car Class (Enterprise Rent-a-Car): GXAR (Full-Sized Luxury)

Main Competitors: Acura ILX, Buick Verano, Cadillac ATS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan, VW Jetta

A Look Back: The 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee "ZJ"

A Look Back: The 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee “ZJ”:

            In the early 1980’s, American Motors Corporation (AMC), owners of Jeep at the time, were already designing the successor to its newly-introduced 1984 Jeep Cherokee and Wagoneer XJ. However, that project was put on hold in 1987, when American Motors Corporation sold off all of its assets to Chrysler Corporation. In the late 1980’s, however, it became apparent that the Cherokee was the second most popular Jeep vehicle next to the newly-introduced 1987 Wrangler YJ, and so Chrysler Corporation decided to replace the aging Grand Wagoneer SJ, whose platform debuted all the way back in 1966, and which, ironically, also served as the platform for the Cherokee SJ, which was introduced in 1974, and was sold all the way up until 1983, when the Cherokee and Wagoneer XJ replaced it. In 1989, Jeep showed the Concept I at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan. The Concept I previewed Jeep’s newest project, which would become the Grand Cherokee ZJ. Today, we’ll take a look back at the 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ and what made it so special.

            In 1991, Chrysler Corporation built a new automotive manufacturing facility, called the Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) on Conner Avenue in Detroit, Michigan, where Jeep’s all-new vehicle would be produced. The Grand Cherokee ZJ would be the only Jeep vehicle not manufactured at Chrysler Corporation’s Toledo Complex in Toledo, Ohio, which manufactured the Jeep Cherokee XJ and the Jeep Wrangler YJ. The then-all-new 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ finally debuted in its production form at the 1992 North American Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, where it debuted as the Concept I three years earlier, in 1989. Bob Lutz, who is most well known for being the President of General Motors Corporation up until recent years, drove then Mayor of Detroit, Michigan (Coleman Young), up the stairs of Cobo Hall in a Poppy Red 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ Laredo, through a plate-glass window that was set up specifically for the ZJ’s debut, and onto the 1992 NAIAS’s show floor for the press to see for the first time. The all-new 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ would start production in April of 1992, and would go on sale in showrooms nationwide shortly after.

            The Grand Cherokee had some fierce competition for 1993: the Chevrolet Blazer K5, which had been on sale for many years, and the Ford Explorer, which replaced the aging Bronco II for 1991, so Jeep knew they had to make the Grand Cherokee ZJ stand out with many innovative features. For example, the 4.0L “Power-Tech” Inline Six-Cylinder (I6) engine produced 190 horsepower, which was the most horsepower in its class, as well as 220 lb. feet of torque, also the best in its class (a 220-horsepower, 5.2L “Magnum” V8 engine with 220 horsepower and 285 lb. ft. of torque, sourced from Chrysler, would later become available, as would two-wheel, or rear-wheel-drive, for those customers who only needed the versatility of the Grand Cherokee, and did not necessarily live in a climate that would warrant needing four-wheel-drive). That engine could be paired to either an Aisin five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The SelecTrac full-time, shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system made the Grand Cherokee not only luxurious, but also capable off-road as well as on. A driver’s side SRS front airbag mounted in the steering wheel made the Grand Cherokee the only sport utility vehicle (SUV) to feature a standard driver’s-side airbag. The air conditioning and heating (HVAC) system featured the new R134a refrigerant, which was better for the government than the older-style air conditioning refrigerant, and was made with less hazardous chemicals. A six-speaker, 120-watt AccuSound by Jensen (later, Infinity Gold) premium sound system was one of the only premium sound systems available on a vehicle in its class, and four speakers came standard, whereas the other vehicles running up against the Grand Cherokee only featured two standard speakers up front. The Grand Cherokee also featured a standard A/M-F/M stereo, though a cassette player could be added, as could another class-exclusive feature: an in-dash CD player, allowing the Grand Cherokee’s owner to play music from whatever source they choose. Not to mention, the Grand Cherokee differentiated itself from its Cherokee sibling by rounding off the design in the rear, and giving the rear end more dimension. The interior was available in vinyl, cloth, or leather, and luxurious features such as heated front seats and a power tilt and sliding sunroof later became available.

            Unfortunately, in 1996, Jeep realized that the Grand Cherokee ZJ’s competitors, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Explorer, offered more features than the Grand Cherokee did, and so the Grand Cherokee was not only given a styling update inside and out, but also new features to remain on the cutting-edge. For example, an A/M-F/M stereo with dual-media cassette and CD players became available, as did standard SRS front airbags in the steering wheel and front passenger’s compartment. A tilt and sliding sunroof became available, as did optional heated front seats when the Grand Cherokee was equipped with leather seating surfaces. Wood trim now adorned the entire interior, regardless of which model a consumer chose, and the base, not-so-luxurious SE model was dropped, adding standard power windows and door locks, an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette player, as well as keyless entry and air conditioning, plus cloth seating surfaces as standard equipment. The Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ lasted until 1998, when the then-all-new 1999 Grand Cherokee WJ replaced it.

Finally, let’s go over some of the model year changes from 1993-1998:

1993: All-new 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee ”ZJ”  introduced at 1992 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Vehicle goes on sale midyear in 1992 (started production in April of 1992), 5.2L High-Output “Magnum” V8 engine (220 HP/285 Lb. Ft. of Torque) introduced midyear, 4X2 models introduced midyear, Grand Wagoneer Limited model introduced midyear.

1994: Grand Wagoneer Limited model dropped, Automatic transmission redesigned with ‘Overdrive Off’ switch, Base model renamed SE, Side-impact door beams added to all four doors for improved safety, ‘AccuSound by Jensen’ premium sound system renamed the ‘Infinity Gold’ premium sound system.

1995: SE model gains standard power windows and door locks, Luxurious Orvis Edition model added, Power tilt and sliding sunroof and heated dual front seats become available options.

1996: Slight restyling inside and out for all models, passenger’s-side SRS front airbag added, Base SE model dropped (Laredo model becomes base model), Cloth seating surfaces become standard, A/M-F/M-Cassette stereo becomes standard, A/M-F/M-Cassette-CD stereo now offered, Manual transmission option dropped, 4.0L “Power-Tech” High-Output I6 engine drops horsepower by 5 HP (to 185 HP) while improving fuel economy.

1997: Sporty TSi model added, 4X2 now available with V8 engine, Transmission improved for smoother gear shifts, Torque on 5.2L “Magnum” High-Output V8 engine gets increased torque by 20 Lb. Ft. of Torque (to 305 Lb. Ft. of Torque).

1998: Orvis Edition model dropped, Luxurious and sporty 5.9L Limited model added, 5.9L “Magnum” High-Output V8 engine (240 HP/305 Lb. Ft. of Torque) now available, though only with 5.9L Limited model, Last year of “ZJ” Grand Cherokees, All-new 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee “WJ” starts production midyear in 1998 as an early 1999 model year (MY) vehicle.

-Vincent D., Vincent’s Auto Reviews