With a V6 - Six-speed electronic automatic with OD lock-up torque converter, shift lock and SHIFTRONIC® manual shift, Hyundai Azera offers more than just power.. it provides unending options.
Safety With nine standard airbags – includes knee, front, rear, and side curtains, rear view back up camera and child LATCH system. The manufacturer has also implemented their impact-reducing seat system for the Azera. This seat system eliminates the need for active front head restraints and is expected to reduce head and neck injuries by 17 percent over the front seats in the previous generation Azera, which had active front head restraints. This result is achieved through optimization of seat back structure to further absorb impacts.
The Azera also features a state-of-the-art braking package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes (12.6 inch front and 11.2 inch rear) and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected.
Creature Comforts Standard leather interior with heated front and rear seats, heated side mirrors, side window sunshades, elegant yet sporty with wrap-around LED taillights, a flow-through center fascia and instrument panel. These flowing surfaces complement the exterior design and wrap around the driver and passengers creating a feeling of comfort and security.
Ten-way power driver and eight-way front passenger’s seats are standard equipment. The driver’s seat has an optional cushion extension and an integrated memory system for the seat, steering wheel and side mirrors. Azera’s climate and seat temperature controls keep occupants in total comfort. Heated front and rear seats standard, dual automatic climate control standard, second row air vents standard and standard cooled glove box make for chilled refreshments and a cool ride!
The Ride The Azera is equipped with advanced front and rear-suspension using maximized through Sachs Amplitude Selective Dampers (ASD), allowing tuning flexibility at smaller damper displacements, (less bumpy). Azera also features ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS). Vehicle Stability Management, (VSM) works to control two effects. The first is when a driver accelerates or brakes on a split-mu surface (slippery on one side, dry pavement on the other) and the vehicle wants to pull in one direction. VSM detects this condition and sends a signal to the MDPS to apply steering assist. VSM counters the pull and automatically provides eight Newton meters of counter- steering. VSM reacts the same way during sudden lane changes or fast cornering.
At just 3,605 pounds, Azera is lighter than the Buick LaCrosse and Ford Taurus. This priority on weight allows the Azera to deliver a great combination of agility, performance and fuel efficiency. The weight difference is 200 – 400 lbs. so no worries about feeling as if driving in an aluminum can. Azera's high level of technology within the vehicle confirms the vehicle offers more than the average ride.
Technology There is a standard navigation system with seven-inch touch screen, three month subscription of XM Satellite Radio, Real-time XM NavTraffic, XM NAV Weather®, XM Sports Ticker and XM Stock Ticker, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, auxiliary iPod/USB inputs, backup camera is standard on the vehicle. The connectivity system features 8GB of flash memory and comes matched with a sound system that plays compact discs, accesses digital music files, and streaming audio.
Azera offers two choices in audio systems the Infinity 550-watt premium option features the Logic 7 audio system with 12 speakers, including an eight-inch subwoofer and external amplifier. An XM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the head unit and features channel logos and XM Data services, such as XM NavWeather®, XM Stock Ticker and XM Sports Ticker. Azera also offers standard HD Radio™ technology.
Azera averages 20 city mpg. /29 hwy. mpg. with a price starting at $32k.
Spent a week in Vegas leading up and over Super Bowl weekend immersed in the world of car dealerships, auto makers and the best and brightest minds at the Digital Marketing Strategies Conference (DMSC) and attending the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention. Wanted to share some highlights to give you an insider view of what goes on behind the scenes with highlights of what happens when 20,000 automotive industry professionals gather in Las Vegas!
Digital Marketing Strategies Conference (DMSC) Tuesday - Friday
Best Speaker by far was Inspiration Speaker - Todd Durkin, CEO of Fitness Quest 10 Strategy. If you ever have the opportunity, run do not walk to hear this man speak! He will energize you and the entire room.
Fitness Quest 10 is a premier health and human performance facility in San Diego CA. We specializing in Sports Performance, Personal Training, Massage Therapy, Pilates, and Yoga. Owner and founder, Todd Durkin, is a leader in the fitness industry training athletes like LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Carson Palmer, and Reggie Bush just to name a few. Todd’s passion for health and fitness has lead Fitness Quest 10 to be recently named one of the top 10 training facilities in America by the nationally publicized Men’s Health magazine. To find out more information about Fitness Quest 10 please visit his website at www.FitnessQuest10.com.
Lots of thought leaders and awesome workshops during DSMC on social media strategies and connecting with shoppers at ZMOT, Winning the Zero Moment of Truth, a new Google 75 page FREE eBook. Attended social gathering galore with some of the brightest minds in the industry. Had the opportunity to keynote on "What is Your Strategy To Dominate Your Market with Women Buyers?" to rally dealerships to deliver a WOW experience to women.
Thank you Brian and Glenn Pasch and PCG Digital for including me in this powerful thought leader educational event.
This month featured the country’s most revered auto show NAIAS’, Detroit Auto Show. Upon first thought of the show chills of excitement made me giddy to be able to see the latest models for 2012 and beyond. Car manufacturer’s attended from across the globe and provided more than enough options when it came to new vehicles coming soon (or within the next year) to local dealerships. The theme from the major auto players seemed to be adding diversity to vehicles so they could perform at multiple levels. The line-up was immense while advances in safety, and technology were very clearly enhanced.
The show was also a way for manufacturer’s to show they have not only been listening to consumers but they have been heeding the call and meeting their needs. One of the most buzzed about vehicles at the show (which has been kept tightly under wraps) was the new fully redesigned Ford Fusion. No longer a big brother version to the Focus, the Fusion is now completely its own unique car. It has midsize sized feel with a streamlined and sporty vibe. The Fusion will be offered with eco-options such as the pure electric Energi and the Fusion Hybrid models which will be released in Fall. The coolest aspects of the Fusion Energi is that it takes half of the time to charge an Energi than most other electric cars within its class and it more than doubles the amount of electric drive time.
Ford then continued to show their eco-friendlier side by announcing they will be launching six electric and hybrid cars releasing this year to early next. They are the Ford Focus, Fusion (standard, hybrid and Energi), C Max Energy, C Max Hybrid, and Ford's Transit Connect Van. Fusion Hybrid designers say they look to the release and the capabilities of the hybrid in achieving up to 47 miles per gallon later this fall.
Looks like Ford is continuing to take their commitment to pushing the envelope when it comes to how advanced their cars are - because they've just announced they are opening a new research lab in Silicon Valley this year. This R&D office is a first for Ford, as they have no other facilities on the west coast.
This new lab is not really surprising to me, but I follow the news coming from Ford pretty closely, because they're constant innovators. Ford's vision of the future isn't just about building more cars, it's about reinventing the automotive experience. Sort of like us, really! Their green initiatives and awesome new tech is the focus of our blog a lot, but it's hard to ignore when so much awesome stuff comes from them.
Ford, of course, won't be alone in Silicon Valley, since unless you've been living in a cave since the 80's you probably know that Silicon Valley is the hub for anything tech, full of well established firms (Google, anyone?), adventurous new startups, and educational resources devoted to pushing the limits of what our tech can do. As such, Ford will most definitely be pursuing partnerships with these companies to develop new and better auto tech, not to mention the proximity of universities like Stanford, and some juicy tidbits of what's in development follow in their press release.
All in all, this is awesome news. Their complete press release follows after the jump. I'll bring you updates as I get them!
On the outskirts of San Antonio, Texas Auto Writer’s Association (TAWA) members gathered to drive and review the best 2012 trucks, SUVs, CUVs, and other off-road vehicles for their annual Truck Rodeo.
The Rodeo featured major manufacturers who brought their best and most adept models to compete in this significant challenge held within the country’s ultimate ‘truck state’, Texas.
Virtually every manufacturer who has trucks or Sport Utility Vehicles entered them in the competition and came to San Antonio to present them the TAWA group. Ford brought a few variations of the F-150 including one model which featured their new FX package along with their LARIAT and King Ranch models. These F-150s featured neutral towing capability (on their 4x4s) which allowed the driver the ability to flat-tow. Another innovation within this year’s F-150s is the revived EcoBoost® and 5.0L engines.
RAM, (last year’s Truck of Texas winner) was also at the Rodeo and brought half a dozen variations of their product along with two new releases. The RAM Mossy Oak and the Laramie Power Wagon were both new models featured in the RAM line-up. The Mossy Oak will likely do well with hunters and outdoor enthusiasts because its styling is accented with camouflage patterned accents both inside and out.
The Mossy Oak model was derived from the RAM Outdoorsman and will be available for a limited time while the LARAMIE Power Wagon (a little more luxurious than the inaugural model) is slated to be sold throughout the entire year. A few of the upgrades within the ‘luxury model’ are wood grain paneling and extra chrome for flare.
During the event there were many other newly released trucks, SUVs, and CUVs brought in directly from many manufacturers. Toyota brought a prototype model of the Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series which is set for official release in May 2012. This soon-to-be-released model is being built at Toyota’s San Antonio plant and is also undergoing final testing for the Tacoma Access Cab and Double Cab 4x4 models. This new series is equipped with a 4.0 Liter V6 and comes with choice of a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission.
The Baja is also fully equipped with every important feature any serious off-road enthusiast could ever want such as upgraded shocks, coils, traction control, off-road wheels and tires. Needless to say, the test drive on the dusty, hilly, steep and at times wet and rocky off-road course not only showed super engine response and power it also held its own no matter what obstacle it encountered. Most of the off-road specific 2012 models entered in the Truck Rodeo listed suspension upgrades on their more well-known models with an emphasis on capable suspension regarding the newer editions such as the Nissan Titan Pro4X.
After two days of grueling testing of the 51 entrants, the Auto Writer’s turned in their ballots and awaited the final results of who would win one of the highest honors in the land - The Truck of Texas award. Within 12 hours the results were in and many of the manufacturers could not have been happier with their brands results.
Nissan claimed titles such as Mid-Sized Truck of Texas for the Nissan Frontier and Compact SUV of Texas for the auto maker’s Xterra Pro-4X. Dodge Durango won first place for Full-Sized SUV, RAM 2500 Mega Cab Laramie Longhorn took second place for Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas while RAM 1500 earned second for Full-Sized Pickup (Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet 1500 both tied for third).
For the winning Truck Line of Texas the Auto Writers awarded Ford F-150 first place in Full-Sized Pickup Truck and Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas (Platinum EcoBoost® model), while the F-250 claimed top place for Heavy Duty Pickup Truck of the Lone Star truck state.
The complete list of Texas Auto Writer's Truck Rodeo winners is as follows: Truck of Texas: 2012 Ford F-150 SUV of Texas: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee CUV of Texas: 2012 Ford Edge Truck Line of Texas: Ford F-150 Full-Sized Pickup Truck: First Place, 2012 Ford F-150; Second Place, 2012 Ram 1500; Third Place, Chevrolet 1500 & Toyota Tundra (tie) Mid-Sized Pickup Truck: First Place, 2012 Nissan Frontier; Second Place, 2012 Toyota Tacoma. Luxury Pickup Truck: First Place, 2012 Ford F-150 Platinum EcoBoost; Second Place, 2012 Ram 2500 Mega Cab Laramie Longhorn: Third Place, 2012 GMC Sierra Denali 2500 HD Crew Cab. Heavy Duty Pickup Truck: First Place, 2012 Ford F-250 King Ranch; Second Place, 2012 Ram 2500 Power Wagon; Third Place, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD. Full-Sized SUV: First Place, 2012 Dodge Durango; Second Place, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee; Third Place, 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe. Full-Sized Luxury SUV: First Place, Jeep Grand Cherokee; Second Place, Range Rover Evoque; Third place, Mercedes Benz ML350 Mid-Sized SUV: First Place, 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited; Second Place, 2012 Toyota 4Runner; Third Place, 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Mid-Sized Luxury SUV: First Place, Toyota 4Runner Compact SUV: First Place, 2012 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X; Second Place, 2012 Jeep Compass; Third Place, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. Full-Sized CUV: First Place, 2012 Buick Enclave Mid-Sized CUV: First Place, 2012 Ford Edge Limited with EcoBoost engine; Second Place 2012 Dodge Journey; Third Place, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox Compact CUV: First Place, 2012 Toyota Rav4; Second Place, Kia Soul Full-Sized Luxury CUV: First Place, 2012 GMC Acadia Denali; Second Place, 2012 Mercedes-Benz R350 Blue TEC. Mid-Sized Luxury CUV: 2012 Cadillac SRX Premium.
It’s foolhardy to head out in a poorly maintained vehicle in the dead of winter, of course, but even vehicle owners in temperate zones need to consider a fall car-care check, note the pros with the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent group that tests and certifies the competence of auto technicians.
“Regular, routine maintenance can help improve your gasoline mileage, reduce pollution, and catch minor problems before they become big headaches,” says Martin Lawson, ASE’s editorial director.
The following tips ASE will give you a road map to winter car care.
It’s crunch time and if you’re still struggling with what to give a loved one, family member or friend this holiday season, the perfect gift can be an item related to vehicle safety. Tire pressure gauges, ice scrapers, emergency kits, windshield wipers or the new consumer Car Care Guide, published by the Car Care Council, are suitable items for any drivers on your list.
“These small and relatively inexpensive items play a big role in vehicle safety and reliability especially during winter driving when road conditions can be hazardous and unpredictable,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “They’re a perfect stocking stuffer or holiday gift that shows the drivers on your list that you truly care about them this holiday season.”
Remember me and my story this Holiday Season. Buckle Up and Say No to Buzzed Driving !!!
We left for home Thanksgiving day in the twilight, filled with Grandma Cleo’s cooking, lots of hugs and our heads filled with family stories shared in laughter.
The drive on Palmdale Highway 138, a two land undivided road, was lined with cars coming and going like bumper cars. I always hated this part of the drive and kept checking my speed to stay at 55 MPH, which was not my normal routine driving practice.
After about ten minutes, feeling overly cautious, I looked over at my son in the front passenger seat and noticed his seatbelt was not fastened and sharply told him to “Put on your seatbelt, NOW!”, and glanced over my shoulder to make sure my other son was buckled up!”
Thirty seconds later a small car driven by a drunken women with five children, only one two year old in a restraint system, swerved from the oncoming traffic right in front of me. There was no way to avoid the accident. I slammed on my brakes to attempt to stop in time. Her oncoming speed and my oncoming speed were equal to at least 110 miles an hour. Not enough time to stop.
That moment of impact will be imbedded in my soul forever. Three of the five children were killed instantly. The woman driver killed her only daughter and two of her sister’s children. The driver (She) survived along with the two year old in the car seat and one other young boy cousin.
The AskPatty team of women Jody DeVere CEO, expert women Amy Mattinat of AutoCraftsmen of Vermont, Bogi Lateiner 180 Degrees Automotive in Phoenix and automotive senior editor Diana Claussen were in full force for SEMA, the TIA Global Tire Expo, I-CAR and AAPEX last week, covering all the female-friendly events, products and news!
Female-Friendly Awards and Event Highlights:
Scott Williams, president of Lex Brodie’s Tire, Brake & Service Co an AskPatty.com Certified Female Friendly® clientsin Honolulu, was named Tire Business’ 2011 Tire Dealer Humanitarian Award winner. I was in attendance when Scott won this well deserved award Oct. 31 at the Tire Industry Honors event sponsored by the Tire Industry Association during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. He was presented with a medal symbolizing the spirit of giving and a $1,000 donation to two charities, Hawaii’s Institute for Human Services, which supports homeless in the area, and the Lex Brodie’s Tire Co. Foundation, which provides donations to Hawaiian schools.
Attended and supported the Collision Industry Foundation 2nd Annual Gala Fundraiser to benfit Crash Hunger on November 2nd at teh Las Vegas Hilton, a joint donation and volunteer project to combat hunger in the USA. While also raising awareness for hunger initiatives, during the month of February members of the collision industry will be asked to donate their time at local food banks. AskPatty.com donated a beautiful Passchal.com travel bag for the silent auction.
Congratulations to Audra Fordin, one of our AskPatty.com automotive expert women, of Great Bear Auto Shop, named the first “Female Service Shop Owner of the Year.” The announcement was made at the 2011 Car Care Council Women’s Board reception Tuesday evening. Audra Fordin educates women on car care in Flushing New York through a weekly radio call-in show called “The Auto Lab” and through her website, www.womenautoknow.com.
Great News! Continuing to broaden its outreach to women, Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. announced during SEMA its plans to expand its partnership in 2012 with AskPatty.com Inc. Cooper Tire, which began a relationship with us this past July, will continue to engage women customers through AskPatty’s growing educational interactive platforms, social media and online outreach. The Findlay-based tire maker cited research showing that 74 percent of American women feel automotive marketers could understand them better—“a concern that Cooper Tire is working to change by developing female-targeted brand messages with a focus on tire maintenance and education,” the company said. Cooper said its continuing partnership “highlights the importance of tire maintenance and education, especially for busy women.
Jody Devere CEO AskPatty.com spoke on 'What Women Want' at the TIA Global Tire Expo SEMA educational sessions and was also named the 2011 winner of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network annual Athena Award, established to honor an industry person (male or female) or company for outstanding contributions to women in the automotive aftermarket, during the SBN Breakfast on Thursday November 3rd.
New Female-Friendly SEMA / AAPEX Products:
The AutoTex PINK PLUS wiper blade was launched and is the optimal wiper replacement for drivers who are both concerned with ensuring safety through improved visibility on the road and making a bold statement. A high quality, molded rubber wiper blade with aerodynamic, pink colored steel frame, and polymer sleeve that meets or exceeds Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) specifications, AutoTex PINK PLUS wipers are perfect for all-weather conditions and are guaranteed to be nearly 100% compatible with vehicles using existing metal wiper blades. In addition, AutoTex PINK donates a portion of every windshield wiper sale to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
ESCORT Inc, the leading manufacturer of premium automotive electronic accessories and maker of the world's best radar and laser detectors, announced at the 2011 SEMA Show the release of the new ESCORT Live™ the social network for the road where drivers share live alerts with other drivers so everyone in the network can drive smarter.
ESCORT Live™, now available directly from ESCORT, uses Bluetooth technology embedded in SmartCord Live™ cords and a unique app for the driver’s smartphone. When alerts are detected, they are transmitted to the ESCORT Live™ “cloud” and then broadcast across the ESCORT Live™ network, notifying drivers of potential ticket threats. In addition to these live alerts, ESCORT’s industry leading Defender® database of fixed position cameras and speed traps is also provided.
The patented PASSPORT iQ™, the world's first and only driving accessory that integrates radar/laser detection and GPS navigation, and also provides important driving information, such as speed traps and speed limit data, in a single compact device. I recently reviewed the PASSPORT iQ™ and now call 'her' Lola and don't drive without her! Check out the new Limited Edition Passport 9500ix Susan G Komen version that benefits breast cancer.
The SEARS Craftsman brand unveiled several new products to the Craftsman NEXTEC line of tools for 2011 that I think are great for women, powered by the same interchangeable, compact and lightweight 12-volt DieHard lithium-ion battery. Each tool allows the user to perform various tasks around the home, in the garage and on-the-go. From charging your phone to inflating a flat tire or cleaning out your car, Craftsman’s new NEXTEC tools have you covered.
Our FAVORITE PICK the Craftsman NEXTEC Inflator: This very small light-weight digital inflator utilizes powerful, adjustable air pressure that quickly inflates objects from 0.5 pounds per square inch (PSI) to 200 PSI, allowing users to inflate a variety of objects such as vehicle tires, pool toys, sports equipment and more. The Craftsman NEXTEC Inflator (29641) retails for $39.99 as an add-on tool without the battery or charger.
Craftsman NEXTEC Multi-Purpose Work Light: This florescent work light has a clear poly carbonate lens to direct and focus light, eliminating shadows or blinds spots on the workspace. The lens contour throws light forward and outward to provide a full range of 320 degrees of light. The work light has a long-lasting, 13-watt, 300 lumen ENERGY STAR®-rated fluorescent bulb that lasts 1.75 hours on a single charge.The Craftsman NEXTEC Multi-Purpose Work Light (2966) retails for $29.99 as an add-on tool without the battery or charger.
Craftsman NEXTEC Vacuum: This dual stage vacuum cleaner uses a Gore® filter that is reusable and dishwasher safe. A powerful vortex suction quickly and easily removes dirt and debris from automobiles, the workbench or common household items such as blinds, draperies and furniture. The Craftsman NEXTEC Vacuum (29642) retails for $49.99 as an add-on tool without the battery or charger.
Each of these new products will be available at Craftsman.com, K-Mart and Sears stores nationwide. For more than 80 years, Craftsman has developed innovative products. To learn more about Craftsman’s assortment of innovative hand tools, power tools and lawn equipment, visit www.craftsman.com, www.facebook.com/craftsman or one of the many Sears or Sears Hometown Stores nationwide.
Teen Safety!
Took a great test drive with Mitsubishi Motors North America to demonstrate Scosche’s cellCONTROL in a moving vehicle the All-New 100% Electric-Powered Mitsubishi i with an Impressive EPA Rated 62 Mile/98 Mile LA4 Mode Range and 112 MPGe Rating arriving in 2012.
Scosche’s Safe Driving System helps parents monitor their teen drivers by automatically disabling the most distracting functions of a smartphone including handheld phone calls, texting and emailing capabilities. As the vehicle begins to move, cellCONTROL will automatically connect to the users phone via Bluetooth to disable distracting functions. The system is completely tamper proof and will automatically alert the system’s administrator with any removal, deactivation or other misuse.
Scosche’s Safe Driving System easily connects to a vehicle’s OBD2 port and communicates with the smartphone in the vehicle. Scosche’s cellCONTROL Safe Driving System retails for $129.95 and is available at www.scosche.com and at specialty retailers. Like the Scosche’s Facebook Page for a special 20% off promo code https://www.facebook.com/scoschecaraudio
Scosche also makes a ton of cool mobile phone accessories. OUR TOP PICK the iPhone case with a kickstand called the switchBACK g4 with Polycarbonate Case with Interchangeable Backs for iPhone 4S and 4 (Verizon, Sprint and AT&T) $29.99. For more information visit our website at www.scosche.com.
Bendix launched a "Brakes for Teen Safety” a social media campaign aimed at educating teens and their parents about proper vehicle care to keep them safe on the roads. This digital program launched in October to coincide with National Teen Driver Safety Week. It includes a series of online videos and a designated Facebook page that offers relevant tips and safety information, enabling teens and parents to post their own questions and advice.
The first two videos, “What Teens Don’t Know About Car Safety” and “The Top Five Car Care Tips for Teens,” address the importance of regularly checking and changing brakes and other components, and highlight proper vehicle maintenance habits for safe driving. They can be found on the brand’s YouTube channel and on the campaign’s Facebook page.
More SEMA / AAPEX coverage coming soon, so stay tuned.
Hello out there in the Ask Patty Nation! I, your faithful blog editor, have taken some unprecedented time off, and so I'm actually out of town celebrating my five year wedding anniversary, so it's a lighter blog week for your Thursday and Friday, but I hope not an uninformative one.
Today, we look into the latest news from a favorite subject of the blog: the electric car. Once considered a far-off dream, hybrid and all electric cars are on the road in larger numbers than ever before, and they're making headlines. Here is a trifecta from the world of electric cars from the past week...
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