Car and Driver Blog

Hyundai Unveils New 2.4-Liter Direct-Injection Four-Cylinder (Updated With U.S. Specs)

Erik Johnson — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:25:43 +0000

In the next step towards its bold goal of becoming the fuel-economy leader (Hyundai/Kia is currently third overall behind Toyota and Honda), Hyundai unveiled the direct-injection version of its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which is slated to slide under the hood of the swoopy 2011 Sonata mid-size sedan. Dubbed Theta II GDI and developed over nearly four years at a cost of $147 million, the Korean company’s first DI engine is good for 198 or 200 hp at 6300 rpm and 184 or 186 lb-ft of torque at 4250 rpm (depending on whether it is exhaling through a dual exhaust or not). Those numbers represent bumps of 23–25 hp and 16–18 lb-ft over the most powerful version of the port-injected 2.4 in the current U.S.-market Sonata. Fuel economy gains are claimed to be in the 5-to-10-percent neighborhood, to an estimated best-in-class 23 mpg city and 35 mpg highway rating; the current Sonata is rated for 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with an automatic transmission. Manual versions return 21/32.

The output figures top those of the four-bangers now banging under the hoods of the Sonata’s competitive set, none of which currently utilize direct injection. The Toyota Camry’s 2.5-liter puts out 179 hp and 171 lb-ft in top spec, the Ford Fusion’s 2.5-liter Duratec is good for 175 hp and 172 lb-ft, and the 2.4-liter EcoTec in the Chevrolet Malibu is rated for 169 hp and 158 lb-ft. The burliest four in the Accord makes 190 hp, but its 162 lb-ft of twist falls much shorter. The 175-hp 2.5-liter in the Nissan Altima comes closest in the latter category, with 180 lb-ft.

The new engine also adds a two-stage variable intake as well as variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust; the previous non-DI version featured variable timing only on the intake side. Injecting fuel directly into the cylinders at as high as 2200 psi also allows the new engine’s compression to be raised from 10.5:1 to a lofty 11.3:1, but it will still run (and make its full horsepower rating, we’re told) on regular fuel. Hyundai says the block is stiffer than before and that a total of more than 10 pounds of weight was saved through various tweaks such as redesigning the crankshaft and the use of a lighter catalytic converter. The company goes on to say that the engine meets California’s ULEV-2 and PZEV standards and that it plans to expand its use to other vehicles in the near future.

Daily Downshift – November 20, 2009

Car and Driver — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:25:26 +0000

+ We take our first spin behind the wheel of the 2011 Buick Regal. [Car and Driver]

+ The 2009 Formula 1 season was a wacky one for sure, and 2010 promises to keep fans on their toes. Rumor has it that Michael Schumacher may be the second driver for the Brawn-turned-Mercedes F1 team—but don’t believe it, says our Mark Gillies. [Car and Driver]

+ Acura has announced pricing on its ZDX crossover-y thing. [Car and Driver]

+ We all know that GM has made some poor financial decisions in its past, and a new study out of Sweden highlights one of their blunders. It has been reported that GM lost over $5000 on each Saab sold, taking into account the initial purchase of the brand. [The Truth About Cars]

+ How does the Chevrolet Volt fare in extended-range mode—i.e. with its engine running? Apparently very well, however there are still bugs that need to be worked out, like noise levels. [New York Times]

Stuff We Learned Today: Hyundai Genesis V-8 to Receive 10-hp Bump

Dave VanderWerp — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:20:51 +0000

At a Hyundai event today, we learned that the 4.6-liter Tau V-8 in the Genesis sedan is slated to receive a 10-hp increase—to 385—for 2010. Torque remains at 333 lb-ft and fuel economy stays flat at 17 mpg city and 25 highway. The impressive Tau has also received a host of small upgrades for the 2010 Genesis, including an additional flap in its two-stage variable intake for better breathing, the intake and exhaust valves are larger, a quieter timing chain has been installed, the pistons get a chromium-nitride coating to reduce friction, and the oil filter switches to a cartridge-type unit. But likely the most noticeable improvement is a claim of more aggressive-responding transmission programming when driven hard.

Michael Schumacher to Drive for Mercedes? How Big Is Benz’s Bank Account?

Mark Gillies — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:56:44 +0000

Now you know it truly is the silly season: the latest Mercedes Grand Prix rumor—following the one yesterday that Kimi Räikkönen, a.k.a. the Kimster, was prepared to take a huge pay cut for a winning car (and a ride in 2010)—is that Michael Schumacher is talking to Merc GP about a seat next year. Yes, that Michael Schumacher. The seven-time world champion who got everyone excited earlier this year when he thought about subbing for injured Ferrari wheelman Felipe Massa.

This is based on erstwhile F1-team-boss-turned-TV-pundit Eddie Jordan’s observation that Merc head honcho Dieter Zetsche, Schumacher, and former Brawn GP owner and new Mercedes team boss Ross Brawn were seen talking at Abu Dhabi. Everyone is lapping this one up, for good reason. It’s the M-B dream of having two German drivers alongside each other, so press coverage is guaranteed to go gonzo—and for those who have short memories, Mercedes bankrolled Schuey’s early career in sports cars.

Now, stranger things have happened in F1. Nelson Piquet, Jr., deliberately crashed his Renault to enable his teammate to win a race. Nigel Mansell came back in 1994 after his second retirement. So anything’s possible.

But unless the management at Brawn/Mercedes is being very economical with the truth, one of the reasons that Jenson Button departed the team is that they weren’t willing to pay him the money the driver thought his services deserved. Team CEO Nick Fry is on record as saying that one of the attractions of the Brawn team to Mercedes was that they showed fiscal responsibility and didn’t throw money away on driver retainers. Schuey ain’t coming back and risking his formidable rep for a few million dollars—the rumor says he’d sign a deal for the relative pittance Button turned down with Mercedes—he’s going to be after dozens of millions, surely? And if I were a 40-year-old seven-time F1 champ, why would I risk my reputation against Nico Rosberg, who’s certainly quick and certainly smart? And why would I risk my reputation in a team where they don’t have an undisputed number-one driver?

Don’t see it myself. But then F1 is a very strange business.

2011 Buick Regal – First Drive Review

Mark Gillies — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:30:42 +0000

It’s really rather good, but is it a Buick?

If General Motors hadn’t imploded, the Buick Regal wouldn’t have been a Buick; it would have been a Saturn. The Regal is essentially a European-market Opel Insignia—a mid-size sedan that competes with the Honda Accord, Ford Mondeo, and Volkswagen Passat over there—rebadged and re-branded for the U.S. and China. It went on sale in the latter country last December.

Keep Reading: 2011 Buick Regal – First Drive Review

2010 Acura ZDX Pricing Released, Starts at $46,305

Jake Holmes — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:18:41 +0000

The luxurious Acura ZDX coupe-slash-crossover will hit dealerships this December, with the base model ringing in at $46,305. All ZDXs are powered by 3.7-liter V-6 engine and use Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, and a panoramic glass sunroof claimed to be the longest in all of car-dom is standard. The EPA predicts fuel economy of 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway.

Upgrading to the Technology package requires $50,805 and brings a navigation system with voice recognition and real-time traffic and weather information. The package also yields a 415-watt sound system with 15-GB hard drive, a multi-view rear camera, solar-sensing adaptive climate control, and keyless entry and ignition.

The ZDX with Advance package tops the range at $56,855 and includes all upgrades from the Technology pack plus extras like a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control, and a system that brakes in case of an imminent collision. Advance models also receive active shocks, heated and cooled Milano leather front seats, and a sport steering wheel.

2010 Toyota 4Runner – Short Take Road Test

Aaron Robinson — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:14:46 +0000

Pioneer of the SUV craze, the 4Runner sticks to its roots as a true, do-it-all 4×4.

Remember the previous Toyota 4Runner? Yeah, neither do we. Toyota’s compact, pickup-based, do-it-all 4×4 helped ignite the SUV craze when it launched in 1984. But in the years that followed, the 4Runner became increasingly marginalized as Toyota flooded its dealers with trucks and crossovers intended to plug every conceivable niche. The 2003–2009 fourth generation bore little resemblance to the cheap, scrappy 4Runner we fondly remember, having retreated upmarket as a dedicated mall-cruiser offering an optional V-8 and leather-laminated cabin. Annual sales dwindled to fewer than 50,000 units.

For 2010, Toyota is trying a retro reboot of sorts, returning to a simpler time with a truck aimed at outdoorsy buyers who like the FJ Cruiser, with which the 4Runner shares its frame and major components, but want proper rear doors. Even so, volume is expected to remain small at perhaps 35,000 units, says Toyota.

Keep Reading: 2010 Toyota 4Runner V-6 - Short Take Road Test

Daily Downshift: November 19, 2009

Car and Driver — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:01:59 +0000

+ Yesterday we served up our impressions of the 2010 BMW 535i GT, and today BMW announced pricing for the range-topping 550i GT. [Car and Driver]

+ Aptera Motors announces a delay in the introduction of its three-wheeled electric vehicle, the 2e, along with news that it will be cutting down on staff. [Car and Driver]

+ Porsche officially announces the 911 GT3 R. [Car and Driver]

+ We have spy shots of the 2013 BMW 1-series hybrid. [Car and Driver]

+ We stack two of our favorite hooligans up against one another in this video for our latest hot hatch comparo. [Car and Driver]

+ Our spies catch the 2013 BMW 1-series Hybrid running around Germany without it’s disguise. [Car and Driver]

+ Its U.S.A vs. Europe when we gather a trio of 500-plus-hp luxo-sedans to battle it out before our cameras to see which wears the international crown of dominance. [Car and Driver]

+ While manufacturers are frantically trying to developing smaller more fuel efficient vehicles, Consumer Reports has released a survey which says SUVs are consumers top choice for their next vehicle purchase. The study shows that increased cargo space, greater sense of safety, and the ability to see over other cars are the leading reasons for these results. [Consumer Reports]

+ BMW has given the green light to its Rolls-Royce-trimmed Mini program. The ultra-luxury Minis will be custom-tailored at Rolls-Royce’s Goodwood plant where clients can pick and choose to create an individually fitted Mini Roller just as they would their Phantom. [Autocar]

+ The Italian botique supercar maker De Tomaso is reportedly making a comeback, thanks to Italian buisnessman Gian Mario Rossignolo. [Car and Driver]

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R Race Car – Official Photos and Info

Jens Meiners — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:07:39 +0000

The hottest 911, now with an even harder core.

Keeping track of the 911 product lineup has just gotten even more complicated. Less than two months from now, the 911 GT3 R will be launched as the most extreme 911. The physical unveil will happen at—of all places—the Birmingham auto show in the United Kingdom. (Well, we suppose a show in Birmingham, Alabama, show might have been more bizarre, especially since the GT3 R will not be imported to America.)

Keep Reading: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R Race Car – Official Photos and Info

2013 BMW 1-series Hybrid – Spied

Jens Meiners — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:11:48 +0000

BMW follows Lexus in creating a small, premium hybrid.

So the Germans were wrong about the market’s desire for hybrids, and now they are trying hard to catch up. Proof? Even the 1-series, BMW’s self-proclaimed “spritual successor” of the 2002, is slated to gain a hybrid powertrain. As these spy photos show, prototypes using current 1er bodies are on the road. And while we don’t expect the 1-series to become available as a full hybrid, the next generation is almost sure to get an electric motor and a pack of batteries to allow owners an extra degree of eco-smugness.

Keep Reading: 2013 BMW 1-series Hybrid – Spied