2012 Kia Sorento Lx on 2040-cars

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Which of these five plug-ins should win the 2017 Green Car of the Year?

It's going to be a competitive race for the 2017 Green Car Of The Year. With a minivan in the running for the first time in ages, the five finalists announced by Green Car Journal today include five very different plug-in vehicles. As Ron Cogan, the editor and publisher of Green Car Journal, said in a statement, "electrification is now considered by most automakers an essential technology for current and future high-efficiency models." Let's check out the list: Toyota Prius Prime, the updated plug-in version of the world's best-selling hybrid. Chevy Bolt, GM's all-new entry into the long-range EV game. Chrysler Pacifica, a family hauler with the ability to go 30 miles on electric power. Kia Optima. The nomination is for the full line-up, but really the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are the green stars here. BMW 330e iPerformance, one of the automaker's many new plug-in hybrids that bring battery power to models outside the i sub-brand. Green Car Journal will announce the winners at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 17th, along with some, "other green transportation announcements," whatever that means. Last year, the winner was the 2016 Chevy Volt, the first model to snatch up two wins. Which do you think should win this year? Related Video: News Source: Green Car JournalImage Credit: REUTERS/Kevork Djansezian Green LA Auto Show BMW Chevrolet Chrysler Kia Toyota Chevy Bolt chrysler pacifica green car of the year toyota prius prime bmw 330e

2016 Kia K900 introduces new 3.8-liter V6 base model

Kia has announced a series of updates to its K900 flagship sedan. Some of the enhancements applied to the 2016 model are more significant than others. The biggest news here is the arrival of a new V6 base model. Previously available Stateside only with the V8, the 2016 Kia K900 will now be offered with an all-new 3.8-liter V6 engine option, good for 311 horsepower. That base model still includes navigation, a leather interior, and a panoramic sunroof as standard equipment – just with a smaller engine to move it all. No changes were announced for the 5.0-liter V8, which is quoted at 420 hp. Revised pricing and realigned trim levels place the base Premium V6 model at $49,950, the Luxury V6 at $54,950, and the top-of-the-line Luxury V8 model at $62,850. This compared to $56,350 base MSRP that Kia charged for last year's eight-cylinder model. A $950 destination charge is included in all of those prices. Some stylistic changes have been made to the K900 as well, including new 18-inch wheels for the V6 model (19 for the V8), a new front grille, and updated rear-end styling that includes chrome trim, new exhaust pipes, taillights, and rear bumper. New equipment includes a hands-free trunk lid and optional autonomous braking system, along with a new 9.2-inch infotainment display and a system that can operate the ignition, door locks, and climate control from a remote smartphone app. The arrival of the new K900 (known as the K9 back in Korea) coincides with the emergence of a more substantially updated Cadenza (known domestically as the K7). Along with the refreshed Kia premium sedans, Hyundai is separating its luxury lineup into the new Genesis sub-brand. Between them, the Korean automaker aims to take a larger slice of the pie from the usual upscale suspects from Japan, Europe, and these United States. Will this entry-level model move the needle much further? Probably not, but we'll see. 2016 K900 OVERVIEWKia's Luxury Flagship Sedan Adds more Features, Technology and Style - 2016 K9001 receives all-new V6 powertrain - First-class interior and exterior enhancements continue to set K900 apart from segment IRVINE, Calif., November 23, 2015 – The K900 continues to challenge conventional notions of luxury as it did in 2015 when it earned the "International Car of the Year" award by Road and Travel Magazine and set a record-high score in its segment to earn AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA).

Kia GT getting closer to production

The Kia lineup in the US has no lack of stylish models in their respective segments, but the brand's range doesn't have a larger, sporty model to appeal to more enthusiast-minded customers. A fix for that is on the horizon, though, because the official unveiling of the production Kia GT is possibly on the way. Since debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show way back in 2011, the GT has kept tentatively stepping closer to the showroom. Coming from the pens of Peter Schreyer and his team, the concept presented a fastback, four-door coupe that was motivated by a 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 with 389 horsepower driving the rear wheels. As far back as 2013, the vehicle was reportedly being heavily considered for production, and last year it allegedly finally received the green light. With the four-door GT nearing showrooms, the fate of the similarly sized GT4 Stinger coupe concept likely isn't quite so bright. Kia Motors America Vice President of Product Planning Orth Hedrick recently talked about the future of both vehicles to Australia's Drive. "I think for us the GT is a sedan so it has a lot broader appeal than a two-door coupe. They don't do well here. They do really, really good for 18 months and then they really fall off. You can get just as much emotional experience in a sedan, a more practical car, than a coupe," he said. According to Hedrick, the four-door coupe appeals to younger buyers who are already more interested in cars. These are just the type of people that any brand wants to grab the attention of. Finally seeing the GT in its production guise is a chance that might be on the way, too. "We'll have an announcement soon," he said to Drive.