William Maley

The Nissan Versa Note is a competent subcompact. I know, that sounds like damning praise. But the Versa Note has a lot of good points to it. The model is efficient on fuel, has loads of space, and comes with a fair amount of tech features for the low price. But the Versa Note is a bit dull in terms of design. Nissan has decided to address this issue by introducing the Versa Note SR. This model boasts a number of sporty touches to make the Versa Note more appealing. Let's see if this fixes the dullness problem. The SR treatment begins on the exterior with new fascias, side sills, headlights, and a set of 16-inch alloy wheels. Paired with the breadbox van shape of the Versa Note, the SR model makes the Note a bit more interesting to look at. Inside, Nissan has fitted suede seats with an orange accent stripe running down the middle. Not only are the seats very stylish, they provide excellent levels of comfort. Also new is a updated version of NissanConnect, the company’s infotainment system. The system boasts an improved interface that makes it easier to find things and offers the ability to use applications via your smartphone. Finishing the inside are a new instrument cluster and shiny plastics for the center stack which makes the interior less dull. If you’re expecting any changes to powertrain or suspension, prepare to be disappointed. The Versa Note SR retains the 1.6L four-cylinder with 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission on offer is Nissan’s XTronic CVT. The engine is quite comfortable around urban environments as it gets up to speed quickly and without a fuss. On the expressway, the engine feels out of place as it struggles to get up speed at a decent clip. Adding more problems is the extensive noise coming engine and CVT. Meanwhile, the suspension is great at isolating bumps and providing a comfortable ride, but not so much at keeping body motions in check when cornering. So has the SR trim made the Versa Note less dull? Yes. The changes inside and out give the Versa Note a bit of style that was missing from the standard model. While I do wish Nissan had made some changes to the engine and suspension amp the sporty attitude, many buyers will be happy with just the looks. Disclaimer: Nissan Provided the Versa Note, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2015 Make: Nissan Model: Versa Note Trim: SR Engine: 1.6L DOHC 16-Valve Four-Cylinder Driveline: CVT, Front-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 109 @ 6,000 Torque @ RPM: 107 @ 4,400 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 31/40/35 Curb Weight: 2,523 lbs Location of Manufacture: Aguascalientes, Mexico Base Price: $17,530 As Tested Price: $19,180 (Includes $810.00 Destination Charge) Options: SR Convenience Package - $680.00 Carpeted Floor Mats and Cargo Mat - $180.00 View full article

I have! I haven't written anything about it since I have a huge backlog of news and unfortunately it get lost in the pile. I do want to drive since it should solve the power problem I have with it.

Buick has announced a new trim for the LaCrosse, Regal, and Verano for the 2016 model year. Called the Sport Touring, all of these models get distinctive exterior styling cues such 18-inch, dark-finish alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. Along with the sporty touches, each models get a few more standard features. Verano Sport Touring: Dual-zone climate control, eight-way-adjustable power driver’s seat, and heated front seats Regal Sport Touring: Backup camera, heated front seats, and leather-trimmed front and rear seats. LaCrosse Sport Touring: Remote start, eight standard air bags, leather seats, and heated front seats. “Buick is reaching an all-new generation of customers by reinventing itself in terms of design, function and capabilities. These new ST models underscore the importance of design choices, while complementing the safety, refinement and connectivity technologies that are drawing new customers to Buick dealerships,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. Source: Buick Press Release is on Page 2 DETROIT – Buick unveiled 2016 LaCrosse, Regal and Verano Sport Touring (ST) models today – sedans with distinctive exterior cues designed to set them apart from the pack. Each features special 18-inch wheels with machined faces and black “pockets,” and a rear spoiler. They join the Enclave Tuscan Edition and recently announced Encore Sport Touring as special models expanding Buick’s lineup with more design-focused choices. “Buick is reaching an all-new generation of customers by reinventing itself in terms of design, function and capabilities,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “These new ST models underscore the importance of design choices, while complementing the safety, refinement and connectivity technologies that are drawing new customers to Buick dealerships.” The new Sport Touring sedans – and Encore Sport Touring – go on sale this fall. LaCrosse Sport Touring includes Buick IntelliLink with Apple CarPlay capability, OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot, remote start, eight standard air bags (including rear-seat thorax air bags) and leather-trimmed seats – with heated front seats. Regal Sport Touring includes a standard rear-vision camera system, heated front seat and leather-trimmed front and rear seats. It also comes with Buick IntelliLink with Apple CarPlay capability and OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot. Verano Sport Touring includes dual-zone climate control, eight-way-adjustable power driver’s seat and heated front seats, along with Buick IntelliLink and OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot. Experience Buick Protection on all 2016 Buick models includes the first two visits of scheduled maintenance services for two years/24,000 miles, whichever occurs first. It complements Buick’s four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and six-year/70,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. View full article

What you see before you is the Hyundai Vision G Concept, which debut yesterday at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. This concept gives a hint of what the Korean automaker possibly has in store for higher end vehicles. "The design is our interpretation of the idea that Hyundai breathes into all of its vehicles – a DNA that balances design and performance with the idea that you don’t need to be over the top in terms of glitz and stereotypical luxury cues,” said Peter Schreyer, Hyundai’s president and chief design officer. This is evident when compare the Vision G to another Hyundai luxury concept, the HCD-14. Where the HCD-14 was striking with a large grille, suicide doors, and oversized carbon-fiber wheels, the Vision G concept is quite the opposite. The Vision G concept features such details such as a long hood, high-beltline, and roofline that extends all the way to the trunk. The interior is richly detailed in quilted leather and wood trim. The dashboard boasts a wide, LCD screen. For power, the Vision G uses the 5.0L V8 found under the hood of the Genesis and Equus sedans. The V8 produces 420 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Hyundai will be showing off the Vision G Concept at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday. Source: Hyundai Press Release is on Page 2 HYUNDAI PREMIERES “VISION G” COUPE CONCEPT AT LACMA Introduces Concept as Evolution of Hyundai’s ‘Responsible and Respectful’ Luxury Family of Products FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. Aug. 11, 2015 – Hyundai Motor America revealed the “Vision G” Concept Coupe to a select group of media at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). The concept was described as Hyundai’s inspiration for its family of future premium products that promise luxury, performance and style with the value and responsibility that is the foundation of Hyundai’s brand. “The concept was designed with coordinated input from Hyundai design studios around the world, but was led by our team here in the U.S.,” said Peter Schreyer, Hyundai’s president and chief design officer. “The design is our interpretation of the idea that Hyundai breathes into all of its vehicles – a DNA that balances design and performance with the idea that you don’t need to be over the top in terms of glitz and stereotypical luxury cues.” During the design process, Hyundai’s team of designers centered their work on the notion of “chivalry” – a word they felt best defined the idea that one doesn’t need to shout to be noticed and respected. “Vision G” is purposefully understated, despite its size and dramatic lines. One example of this respectful luxury – and a nod to the self-sufficiency of the driver – is a technology that automatically opens the door as if being opened by a valet. The exterior styling of the concept is highlighted by a long hood, high-beltline and a cabin that presents a slingshot-like appearance. “In keeping with a design that speaks to the owner rather than ‘the spectators’ who might see the car on the road, Vision G appears dynamic and in constant motion,” said Christopher Chapman, head of Hyundai’s U.S. design center and leader of the coupe’s design team. “After all – and if all is right in the world – the only time an owner sees the exterior of the car is when it’s standing still.” The underlying idea of respectful luxury flows into the interior, underscored by its clarity and simplicity. No glaring examples of luxury, but rather elegant lines and finishes. The heart of “Vision G” is the award-winning 5.0-liter Tau V8 engine producing 420 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 383 lb. ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm. The Tau V8 engine family has been named to Ward’s prestigious Ten Best Engines list three times. With high-pressure direct injection for impressive power, low emissions and superb efficiency, this latest version of the Tau V8 benefits from an optimized intake runner length, enhanced timing chain for reduced friction and NVH, low-torque exhaust manifold, increased compression ratio and upgraded multiple-injection mapping. These enhancements combine to produce a flatter torque curve at lower rpm for even better driveability. “Vision G” will next be shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, August 16 in Monterey, Calif. View full article