Midsize cars offer a compromise between expensive luxury and cheap cars. They are comfortable and nicely equiped but they often look a bit dull and not real fast. But they will often be the best deal for the money conscious consumers.
Kia has brought a new range topping Optima to the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The special Optima SX Limited will go on sale in March and will be offered exclusively in three exterior colors: Ebony Black, Snow White Pearl, and Titanium Metallic.
The special edition Kia Optima SX Limited will be distinguished by LED daytime running lights, a chrome-accented rear spoiler, lower door sills, wood interior trim, and a new set of uniquely designed chrome 18-inch wheels. The interior has been dressed up in black or white Nappa for the leather seats, door panels, center console armrest, and center fascia trim for a premium feel. All of these elements are combined with wood accents on the steering wheel, interior door trim, and shift knob, and a black tricot fabric lends a premium feel to the headliner, sun visor, and A, B, and C pillars.
The Kia Optima SX Limited is powered by the vehicle’s usual 2.0-liter turbo GDI V6 engine that delivers a total of 274 HP and achieves 22/34 mpg city/hwy.
Sitting alongside the Elantra Coupe, at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show is Hyundai’s competitor for models like the Ford Focus, Mazda3, and Volkswagen Golf. The Elantra GT is the third vehicle in Hyundai’s 7/11 product initiative (seven new or redesigned models in the next 11 months), next to the the Veloster Turbo and the refreshed Genesis Coupe.
The new Elantra GT features the same 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with 148 HP and 131 lb-ft of torque as the sedan and the coupe variants. The engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission and delivers a fuel economy of 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.
The Elantra GT features the same "Fluidic Sculpture" which includes an aggressive profile and low overall height, as well as sleek side mirrors. The interior offers comfortable seating for five people or can accommodate four passengers with long items such as golf clubs or snowboards.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT.
Last year, Hyundai unveiled the new generation Elantra sedan - a model that featured a pretty impressive exterior design language and a new 1.8-liter inline-four that produces 148 HP and 131 pound-feet of torque. That sedan version will now be followed by a coupe version later this year at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which Hyundai is hoping will be a competitor for the Honda Civic Coupe model.
As with the sedan version, the coupe model will be powered by the same 1.8 liter engine, but there will also be a R-Spec version that will be powered by the same 208-hp turbocharged engine that was confirmed for the turbocharged Veloster. The R-Spec version will take on models like the Civic Si.
The Elantra Coupe is expected to be offered in the same trim levels as the sedan: GLS and Limited. Prices for the coupe will be a little higher than the sedan model which starts at $15,195.
This year’s Super Bowl has been replete with auto commercials, and that’s a good thing because we’re not running out of things to talk about.
One of the most underrated ads we saw comes from BMW. We say its underrated because it doesn’t get the hoopla of Chrysler or the comedic shots of Hyundai, but it does drive home a pretty funny point in the 30-seconds it aired.
Of all the features that come with the new BMW 3-Series, one thing that should be of great use to drivers is the ability of BMW’s Connected Drive to read emails. Whether it’s for work or as a way to get away from the house when your mother-in-law is dropping by, being able read emails on your car is a luxury everybody should have.
Yeah, even if it means getting an earful from your wife as you subtly drive away from your house.
There aren’t a lot of cars in this world that probably gets less hype and appreciation than the Hyundai Elantra. Hard to believe, too, considering that the Elantra is a good enough car to win the 2012 North American Car of the Year of the award.
So in its own little way, the Hyundai Elantra is celebrating its award in a rather unique and potentially annoying way: riding a victory lap in the neighborhood with its horn in full blast exclaiming its awesomeness.
Sounds like the kind of thing that gets people to throw rocks at your car, but in this instance, we don’t’ blame Hyundai and the Elantra for pulling off this ad, especially since the Elantra deserves all the recognition it can get for being one of North America’s best automobile purchases.
Say whatever you want about the Elantra, but make no mistake, it’s a car worthy of respect and - in this case - a victory lap around the neighborhood.
