2014 Honda Crosstour Ex-l on 2040-cars

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Weekly Recap: Hyundai spins off Genesis as new luxury division

Hyundai is creating a standalone luxury division that will use the Genesis name in an ambitious move that could bring the Korean automaker more profits, sales, and prestige. The Genesis division launches in December in Korea, followed by a rollout in other markets, including the United States in 2016. The brand will have six models by 2020. They will all start with a "G" for Genesis, then have a number, like 70, 80, or 90 to represent their segment, Hyundai said. The vehicles will also get more upscale design to differentiate them from other Hyundais. Luc Donckerwolke, a veteran Volkswagen Group designer who joined Hyundai earlier this year, will oversee a new Prestige Design unit at the company. The current winged Genesis emblem will be restyled and worn by all of the brand's luxury vehicles. Hyundai says its new division will focus on technology, customer service, and will have "refined performance character." The current Genesis sedan offers a 5.0-liter V8 that makes 420 horsepower. Naturally, Hyundai is optimistic for its new Genesis brand, but it will face immediate challenges as it enters a crowded and competitive market with a long list of entrenched competitors. Brands with storied histories like Cadillac and Lincoln have struggled recently, and even top-selling brands Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus aren't immune to potential troubles. Rumors have persisted that Hyundai harbored luxury ambitions since it first launched the Genesis sedan in 2008. OTHER NEWS & NOTES SEMA shows aftermarket's strength Further evidence of the auto industry's momentum was on display at the SEMA show this week as carmakers and tuners again turned out in full force. The Ford Cobra Jet Mustang, a Chevy Silverado customized by Kid Rock, and a Kia Forte Koup Mud Bogger were among the prominent displays. The show attracts more than 140,000 people per year, including 2,400 exhibitors, who come to buy and sell products. SEMA is a barometer for customization trends in the aftermarket, a key reason automakers attend. "They represent things we are thinking about and want to get some exposure," Mopar boss Pietro Gorlier said. Honda previews next-gen Ridgeline In other SEMA news, Honda previewed the next generation of its Ridgeline pickup at the show with a race-prepped vehicle that will compete in the Score Baja 1000 this year. The hood, side profile, roof, and front fascia offer hints of what the new truck will look like in production trim. Art St.

Honda recalling small number of Accord, CR-V models

This latest recall may not be a very big one, but it does strike us as an important one. Issued by Honda, the recall affects the 2014-15 Accord (specifically those equipped with the four-cylinder engine) and the 2015 CR-V, but only 137 of them. Those 137 vehicles, however, will need to have their short blocks replaced. What is a short block, you ask? Nope, it's not a chopped-down version of a big block: it's the engine block itself plus all its internal components, but short of any appendages that make it run. (That'd be a long block.) The problem, according to the manufacturer's statement below, stems from bolts – specifically the connecting rod bolt – that may have been improperly torqued during assembly. There's a system that's supposed to check that, but Honda reports that it "may not have identified improperly torqued bolts in a specific group of engines." Hence the recall. Owners of those few vehicles affected can expect to hear from the manufacturer to arrange bringing their vehicle into their local dealership to have the engine replaced, free of charge. Statement by American Honda Regarding Connecting Rod Bolt Recall: 2014-2015 Honda Accord 4-cylinder; 2015 Honda CR-V Mar 9, 2015 - TORRANCE, Calif. - 137 model-year 2014-15 Accord 4-cylinder and 2015 CR-V vehicles affected in the U.S. - Engine short block will be replaced in affected vehicles, free of charge - No related crashes or injuries have been reported Honda will voluntarily recall 137 model-year 2014-2015 Accord 4-cylinder and 2015 CR-V vehicles in the United States to replace the engine short block, free of charge. During engine assembly, an automated system that verifies engine connecting rod bolt torque may not have identified improperly torqued bolts in a specific group of engines. An improperly torqued connecting rod bolt could come loose, leading to potential engine damage and stalling, which could contribute to a crash. No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this issue, which was discovered through a warranty claim review process. Honda is announcing this recall to encourage all owners of affected vehicles to take them to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Honda. Mailed notification to customers will begin in late-March. In addition, owners of these vehicles can determine if their vehicles require repair by going to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option 4.

Honda favoring turbo over hybrid for US-market Vezel

While Honda gears up to unveil the new Fit to the US market at the Detroit Auto Show next month, back in its home market, the car's crossover cousin is just going on sale. The Vezel was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show last month and already has a three-month waiting list in Japan, where Honda projects that 90 percent of customers will opt for the hybrid version. Not so in the United States, however.
When the Vezel reaches American showrooms, there'll be a number of key differences. For starters, it will carry a different name, though Honda isn't saying what that will be. For another, it will be built for North American consumption at Honda's new plant in Mexico, roughly half of whose production capacity is reportedly being allocated to the new crossover. And finally, it'll have a different engine.
In Japan the Vezel is being offered with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with or without electric assist. Honda won't offer the hybrid version here - at least not initially - but it is preparing to offer a turbo option. Although it has yet to announce US specifications and options, the 1.5-liter turbo four (also unveiled at the Tokyo show) is considered a stronger likelihood than the 1.0- or 2.0-liter versions.