2013 North American International Autoshow wrap-up

While @thegarageblog on Twitter has been crazy active over the past week or so, things have been pretty quiet here in The Garage Blog. Why? Well, truth be told, I am so busy with my real job that I don't have time to keep up with The Garage. For those of you who don't know, my real job isn't really a job at all. Instead, I am a freelancer with a daily and weekly gig over at the Toronto Star's Wheels.ca, so when I'm done writing (I'm never really done) I really don't have the energy to come here and write more.

So, my own coverage of the 2013 NAIAS is going to be limited to a shit load of pictures.

I will tell you that the absolute highlight of the show for me was turning a corner and seeing the Borg-Warner Trophy, in all its glory, standing out in the open, waiting for me to drool on it. Rather than just the usual gearhead drool, this was a chance for me to truly experience a bit of family history that I have never actually been close enough to embrace. Seeing my Grandfather's Cousin's name and face on the trophy was quite the moment for me. You can read more about my connection to George Robson here.

Now, head past the jump to see all sorts of stuff from the show.

Volkswagen Reveals Passat Performance Concept

Yes. it is January, and that means the 2013 North American International Auto Show is underway in Detroit. Of particular interest to this VW devotee was the Passat Performance Concept. The Garage has sampled the latest Passat, and is our pick for best mid-size sedan available in North America. And there is no denying the success of the new Passat ,which has shattered prior sales records in the US . Why? Well, VW wanted to appeal to a wider audience here, so we get the 'American' Passat, as opposed past generations of Passats, which was the European idea of what a mid-size car should be. Sure, the auto media heaped praise on past Passats, but the car met with limited appeal here in the States.

Volkswagen's ambitious, and so far successful attempt to dramatically increase sales here has, inevitably, left many of the brand's fiercely loyal buyers out in the cold. We have not been forgotten. As much as the new Jetta disappointed me, the Jetta GLI gave some assurance VW hadn't completely lost the script.

Which leaves us with the Passat Performance Concept. Those of you thinking this signals a return to the halcyon days of W-8 Passats, think again. No, this sporty Passat sports a drivetrain much more in tune with today's market, namely a 1.8L turbocharged, direct injected four cylinder rated at 250hp paired to a six-speed automatic. Other upgrades include dual exhaust, 19' alloys, bi-xenon headlights, LED taillights, and carbon mirror caps. Inside, the concept features carbon accents and a two color leather interior. Finally, a lowered sport suspension and revised steering promise an improved driving experience.

Yes, the Passat Performance Concept is, of course, just that-a concept. Surely, VW is using the auto show to get a feel of how the car buying public would receive a more buttoned-down Passat. Also, it is a nod to the VW faithful. In my opinion, building this car is a no brainer. The modifications are slight, and VW already offers the same engine in foreign markets, so why not? Not to mention plenty of the Passat's direct competition already offer turbocharged four cylinder engines (Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion). Stay tuned to see in concept becomes reality.

 

Review: 2013 Cadillac XTS

Cadillac has slowly been rebuilding its brand to glory, but it has been a long road. For Cadillac, the phoenix that rose from the ashes is without a doubt the successful CTS. The brand's greatest triumph since the V-16 Cadillac's of the 1930's is without a shadow of a doubt the CTS-V, an absolute menace to society dressed in a tuxedo. Yet, with all focus on the CTS, Cadillac's larger car family went neglected, and between the DTS and STS, it seemed confusing as to where Cadillac wanted to go with their premier large car. Which made me scratch my head, given that Cadillac has been building luxury cars for over 100 years.

The DTS and STS are now extinct, and the XTS takes their place. The XTS boasts a prominent grille, and the creased styling we've come to expect from Cadillac's 'Art & Science' design mantra. The XTS is easily recognizable as a Cadillac, but there is no hiding the fact the car was engineered as a front wheel drive vehicle, and it looks it. And that can be a tough sell in the luxury car market, where buyers demand looks above all else. The XTS is a handsome car, but being front wheel drive, it cannot pull off the elegance of design its rear wheel drive competitors offer.

Inside, the XTS is a revelation. Step in to the driver's seat, hit the start button and you are greeted with a swirling digital display for not just the infotainment center, but the dashboard itself. That's right-no needles, the gauges are all computerized. They look fantastic. If you've complained that stepping into a car has stopped having any sense of occasion, step into an XTS. You genuinely feel like you are sitting in the most cutting edge car out there. And that's not always a good thing. Meet CUE, Cadillac's newest infotainment system. Cadillac has forgone buttons to control climate control and other functions. Yes, it is high tech, but as a Gen X'er with an iMac, iPod, iPad and Android phone, the XTS's controls proved to have the highest learning curve of any car I have ever driven in all the years I have reviewed cars. My Grandfather loved Cadillac's, but he would positively hate the XTS for its controls. Which I understand. Cadillac has been desperate to reach out to a younger audience, and shake the 'old man's car' that has dogged them for decades. But the reality is the guy contemplating an XTS will likely be in his 50's at least, not understand how to work Facebook, doesn't know what a tweet is, and think Pandora is about a box. Yes, the XTS is extremely comfortable, build quality and materials are on par for the price paid, but simpler controls would be welcome.

Motivation for the XTS comes in one form only, a 3.6L V-6, rated at 304hp, and paired to a six-speed automatic. Buyers have a choice between front and all-wheel drive. The XTS does a decent job of getting out of its own way, and passing power is perfectly fine. However, I suspect Cadillac buyers will be disappointed at the lack of a V-8 option. As expected, the XTS was stellar as a highway cruiser. Fitted with 20' alloys, the XTS' Magnetic Ride Control delivered one of the smoothest rides I can recall in a car sporting wheels that large. Brembo brakes up front instilled confidence, and the XTS was cool as a cucumber when pushed, but few owners are likely to drive this car hard. For its considerable size, the XTS EPA fuel economy numbers are 17/26 MPG city/highway, not bad for a large all wheel drive luxury car.

A base front wheel drive XTS starts at $44, 075USD, and comes well equipped. The XTS is available in four trim levels: Standard, Luxury, Premium, and Platinum. Our test car was the Platinum with all-wheel drive. The standard equipment list is staggering. Bose studio surround sound with 14 speakers, SiriusXM and HD radio, Opus leather interior, real wood trim, power tilt/telescope/heated steering wheel, heated/vented front seats, three-zone auto climate control, head up display and a panoramic moonroof. Of course, there are shades aplenty for privacy. I mentioned before the XTS offers a real sense of occasion when you step in, but even before you get in, while leaving a five star restaurant after dinner, walk up to your XTS, hit the button to unlock the doors, and the illuminated door handles are jaw-dropping sexy. In words, it may sound tacky, but in person, seeing this puts the XTS at the height of class. Our test car's sole option was a gorgeous Crystal Red Tintcoat, which brought the tally to $62,300, including delivery. That's a far cry from the base XTS price, but with all-wheel drive and every conceivable luxury option as standard equipment, the XTS we sampled did not seem excessively priced for what you get.

Still, the XTS, as fine a car it is, seems conflicted. With Cadillac, you have the well received CTS, and the new rear wheel drive ATS, meant to fight the BMW 3-series. With the XTS we have a front wheel drive, full size luxury car competing in a market segment that practically demands rear wheel drive. Then again, the XTS' nearest domestic competitor,the Lincoln MKS, also based on a front-drive platform, which is less expensive and more powerful in Ecoboost form, but seems old next to the XTS. Cadillac may not be after the BMW 5-Series buyer, but their renewed interest in a large car has produced a luxurious, capable car that suffers none of the driving traits of the cars the XTS can trace its roots to.

Dodge Adds Charger AWD Sport to the Family

When you think of the Dodge Charger. what comes to mind? A big, modern muscle car perfect for families? Visions of smokey burnouts once the kids are dropped off at school? How about a perfect all-weather car? No? Well, Dodge wants that perception to change. While the general perception of the Charger is all about aggressive styling and available HEMI V-8 power, the Charger has been available with all-wheel drive, but this feature seems to have flown under the radar. What better way to highlight the Charger's all-weather capabilities than to come out with a special model all about all-wheel drive?

Orders are being taken now, but expect January 2013 availability for the Dodge Charger AWD Sport. Consider the AWD Sport as a limited edition option package, as Dodge only intends to build Charger AWD Sports for about three months. The AWD Sport is based on the V-6 Charger SXT and HEMI V-8 Charger R/T trims. As for cost, Dodge is charging $1,395USD for the AWD Sport package, and $1,195 on R/T models.

So, what do you get for the money? The Charger AWD Sport distinguishes itself with a gloss black grille, gloss black painted 19' alloys, and a rear spoiler. Inside, buyers are also treated to sport seats and Chrysler's premium Beats Audio. The V-6 Charger AWD Sport gets a slight boost in power. The well-received 3.6L V-6 now boasts 300hp, thanks to a sport tuned dual exhaust and cold air induction system. The 370hp 5.7L V-8 is unchanged. The Garage sampled a 2012 Dodge Charger R/T which we thoroughly enjoyed. For 2013, both V-6 and V-8 Chargers feature an 8-speed automatic, as opposed to the 5-speed in our test car. Unique to the AWD Sport are paddle shifters and a Sport mode that will bang out quicker shifts and will hold revs higher in each gear. Kudos to Dodge for the shift paddles made from diecast metal instead of plastic. No word from Dodge, but I expect this to be available in other Chargers once the AWD Sport run is over.

But again, the emphasis here is on the Charger's all-wheel drive capability, and to break the perception this is strictly a rear wheel drive brute. Dodge is quick to point out their active transfer case and front axle disconnect technology, where the front wheels have no power unless needed to improve fuel economy. Will it work? Hard to say, but I can't blame Dodge for wanting to raise awareness that the Charger is available with all-wheel drive. Whether we see more Chargers rolling up to ski resorts in Stowe, Vermont, or Aspen, Colorado remains to be seen.

 

Review: 2013 Acura ILX

With the addition of Acura's latest entry level car, it's impossible to not think of when Acura got it's start back in 1986. Today, it may be hard to believe, but in the 1980's, the notion of a premium Japanese car was unheard of. But Honda decided to break new ground, but with fears American buyers would balk at a pricey Honda, they introduced Acura as their premium brand. Acura's entry level car was the Integra, a sporty car built on a Civic chassis. The Integra is a distant memory, but history is repeating itself at Acura with the ILX, which is based on the current Civic.

I appreciated the tasteful styling of the ILX, and was grateful to see some restraint in Acura's signature beak front end treatment. Yet, this is a car that makes no statement for itself. On the road, the ILX is featureless and forgettable. To be clear, there is not a single offensive line on the car, but for a premium car company I expect a little more personality, something the ILX's exterior lacks.

Inside, build and material quality are without fault. Acura was fairly conservative in their styling of the ILX interior, but it is roomy and comfortable for its size. I was disappointed that the seats offered nothing in the way of lateral support-they were flat as a pancake. Yes, the ILX was a pleasant place to spend some time behind the wheel, is perfectly comfortable and offers plenty of amenities, but this is  a car that is conflicted.

The ILX is available with a choice of three drivetrains. For starters, the base car has a 2.0L four cylinder rated at 150hp, paired to a five-speed automatic. There is also a hybrid version. Our test car was equipped with the top-spec engine, a 2.4L four rated at 201hp, mated to a six-speed manual. EPA fuel economy ratings are 22/31 MPG city/highway. This is the same drivetrain as the Honda Civic Si. The rev happy engine makes some fine music, and is typical Honda silky smooth, not to mention the brilliant six speed manual. Yet, there is a disconnect with the engine and car itself. The ILX looks and rides as a mild mannered entry level luxury car, but has the engine of a VW GTI rival. It makes no sense. Driving the ILX in anger is pointless, since the seats won't hold you in place and the suspension seems more tuned to comfort, not sport.

Our 2.4L test car was an ILX Premium. Standard features included a leather interior, heated front seats, XM satellite radio, Bluetooth, xenon headlights, power moonroof, push button start and a rearview camera. Including delivery, MSRP rang in at $30,095 USD. With the Civic Si's engine, Navigation is not even available to you. If you need it, you have to go with the base engine. Which makes no sense at all. I am just not seeing much value here.

When I saw the specs of the Acura ILX, I figured they had built an entry level luxury car for the guy who was a little too old to be seen cruising in a Civic Si. Sadly, that is not the case. What I found was a weak kneed sleeper of a car with a mismatched drivetrain, over priced and not even available with navigation. It's unforgivable, and Acura has sent us a half baked product. When you are a premium car company, that is unacceptable. And I know Acura is capable of doing better.

 

Triumph Tiger 800 XC and Tiger Explorer 1200 Video Review

The Tiger 800 XC and Tiger Explorer 1200 are a direct attack on BMW's F800GS Siegfried and R1200GS Roy, but the Triumphs are capable of standing on their own merits. That raises another question, which big cat to take home? Contributor Neil Johnston puts the two Tigers to the test to find out.

Review: 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe

The Garage is no stranger to the current Hyundai Elantra. After a week at the wheel of the then-new 2011 Elantra sedan, we walked away convinced the Elantra was a winner, and more than able to stand up to the best cars in its class. In an attempt to further the Elantra's appeal, for 2013 Hyundai has added the Elantra Coupe. For years, Honda has owned the compact, economy coupe market with the Civic, almost exclusively. Hyundai wants to crash that party.

It helps the sedan was a handsome looking car on its own-lopping off two doors only adds to the style and appeal of the Elantra. Finished in Black Noir Pearl with fetching 17' alloys, the Elantra Coupe looks like it costs quite a bit more than its sticker price. For a car with such swoopy lines and surface changes, I did wish for more luster to the car's black paint, something worth paying extra for. If you're going to flaunt your curves Hyundai, you better have the paint quality to back it up.

Inside, the Coupe is more or less identical to the sedan, but the seats sit a tad lower for a sportier feel. Our feature-laden test car was perfectly comfortable and easy to use. The Elantra Coupe was my ride for the 2012 International Motoring Press Association's annual Test Days event, set in the gorgeous Catskill Mountains in New York state. Despite a late start and in heavy rain, the Elantra proved to be a reliable companion on my trip from Connecticut to New York. Supportive seats, intuitive navigation and infotainment controls and a roomy interior made a long drive in less than ideal conditions bearable.

Buyers wanting a sporty ride to go along with the Elantra Coupe's sporty looks, however, may walk away disappointed. The sole engine offered is the familiar 1.8L four cylinder, rated at 148hp. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or automatic. Our test car was equipped with the automatic. While the car is hardly what I would call quick, the Elantra gets off the line easily, with little drama, and even in uphill passing in the higher elevations of New York, the Elantra had adequate passing power. In sum, the Elantra Coupe was an easy car to live with for a long stint on the interstate, offering a good balance of power, ride comfort and fuel efficiency.

The Hyundai Elantra Coupe is offered in two trim levels-our test car was the top-spec SE. In typical Hyundai fashion, the car is well-equipped, with standard features like 17' alloy wheels, heated seats, Bluetooth, power moonroof, sport tuned suspension, leather interior and aluminum pedals. Our test car included the optional Technology Package, adding auto headlights, two-zone auto climate control, keyless entry/start, navigation, rearview camera and premium/satellite audio. Including destination charges, the tab comes to a very respectable $23,965USD.

For style, comfort, features and efficiency, the Elantra Coupe has reset the benchmark the Honda Civic Coupe has held for so long. The Elantra Coupe proves you do not have to surrender practicality for fashion. Yet, the enthusiast in me craves a turbocharged Elantra Coupe'.Hyundai, are you listening?

 

Related posts:

1. Hyundai Expands Elantra Family with New Coupe
2. Review: 2011 Hyundai Elantra
3. Hyundai Announces Return of the Elantra GT
4. Review: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
5. Driven: Hyundai Elantra Touring