2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

South Korean company, Hyundai, brought out the Santa Fe SUV in 2001 and after twelve years on the market, it’s more than ready for its third generation. In the past few weeks, there have been plenty of spy shots of the new Santa Fe, but it’s time now to see it in real life. The new Santa Fe has made its debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show.

For the 2013 model year, the Santa Fe will be offered in three versions: Santa Fe, Santa Fe Sport, and Santa Fe LWB. Customers will also get to choose between three different engines: a 190 HP direct-injection 2.4-liter four-cylinder, a 264 HP turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a 290 HP 3.3-liter direct-injection V6. The three engines can be combined with a six-speed automatic transmission and an optional all-wheel drive system.

UPDATE 04/05/2012: This review has been updated with the official details and images of the Hyundai Sante Fe.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe</i>.

Exterior and Interior

Just like all of the other Hyundai models recently launched, the new Santa Fe is defined by the company’s latest ’Fluidic Sculpture" design language combined with a new design concept called Storm Edge, which captures the strong and dynamic images created by nature during the formation of a storm.

The new Santa Fe features a three-bar hexagonal front grille, LED accents, a low stance, rising beltline, black trimmed optional roof rails, and wraparound taillights. Hyundai is offering a chrome grille and door handle accents, bodycolor mirrors, rear spoiler, aggressive exhaust outlets, a lower bumper, wheel arches, and door trim in contrasting paints as part of the standard equipment package.

The interior gets heated rear seats, eight-way power driver seat, and a YES Essentials seat fabric treatment that provides soil-resistant, anti-odor and anti-static properties for added longevity and livability. The new Santa Fe also features an optional panoramic sunroof, which allows more natural light into the cabin, and premium window switch trim. Models will come in a three-row configuration with increased legroom (by 1.9 inches) and increased cargo capacity (by 5.6 cubic feet).

Hyundai Blue Link

Blue Link is offered in three packages: Assurance, Essentials and Guidance.

Blue Link Assurance package:

• Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance
• SOS Emergency Assistance
• Enhanced Roadside Assistance

Blue Link Essentials package:

Convenience:

• Remote Door Lock/Unlock
• Remote Horn and Lights
• Panic Notification
• Remote Engine Start
• Alarm Notification
• Quick Tips
• Location Sharing
• Voice Text Messaging

Vehicle Diagnostics:

• Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code
• Maintenance Alert
• Recall Advisor
• Web Vehicle Diagnostics
• Service Link

Safeguard:

• Stolen Vehicle Recovery
• Stolen Vehicle Slowdown
• Vehicle Immobilization
• Valet Alert
• Geofence
• Speed Alert
• Curfew Alert

Blue Link Guidance package:

• Turn-by-Turn Navigation Service
• POI Search by advanced voice recognition system
• POI Web Search and Download
• Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition
• Traffic
• Gas Station Locations and Gas Prices
• Eco-Coach
• Restaurant Ratings
• Weather

Engine

The 2013 Santa Fe will be offered with a choice of either a 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct Engine (GDI) engine or a turbocharged 2.0-liter GDI engine - both previously used in the Sonata. The 2.4 liter engine delivers a total of 190 HP and lb-ft of torque. This engine has an estimated fuel economy of 23 city and 33 highway.

The 2.0 liter turbocharged engine delivers 264 HP and 269 lb-ft of torque. Hyundai’s 2.0-liter Theta turbocharged engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger that when combined with the GDI system, results in instantaneous power delivery.

The top version, the LWB Santa Fe, is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an output of 290 HP that is combined with a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control.

Prices

The new Hyundai Santa Fe will go on sale later in 2012. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

The list of competitors for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is long and includes models like the Ford Edge, the Kia Sorento, and the Toyota RAV4.

	2013 Santa Fe Sport (est.)	2012 RAV4 V6	2012 Equinox	2012 Edge	2012 Sorento
Engine	2.0-liter turbo GDI I4	3.5-liter V6	3.0-liter GDI V6	2.0-liter GDI turbo I4	3.5-liter V6
Horsepower	264	269	264	240	276
Specific output (HP/Liter)	132	78	88	120	80
Torque	269	246	222	270	248
Transmission	6-speed	5-speed	6-speed	6-speed	6-speed
Curb weight	3,602	3,529	3,825	3,998	3,781
Weight-to-power ratio	13.64	13.11	14.48	16.65	13.69
Fuel economy	22/31/25	19/27/22	17/24/20	21/30/24	20/26/22

2013 Porsche 911 GT3 To Come Standard With Manual Transmission

The rate at which manual transmissions are slowly being offered in fewer and fewer cars simply blows our minds here at TopSpeed. There are few driving pleasures which can match up to performing a picture-perfect upshift, or even better, performing a perfect downshift with some heel and toe action thrown in. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people are not petrol heads, and only use cars to get from point A to point B.

However, there is a silver lining in this seemingly never ending cloud of darkness. Sources very close to Porsche have leaked to Teamspeed that the upcoming 2013 Porsche 911 GT3 will come standard with a manual transmission, with the technologically-advanced, yet less satisfying, PDK transmission set to be available as an optional extra.

Automotive and Porsche enthusiasts all over the world, you may now take a deep sigh of relief. With some of Porsche’s main competitors including Ferrari and Lamborghini phasing out manuals, we only assumed Porsche would follow suit, but thankfully, we were mistaken.

Don’t get overly excited however, as manual Porsches will eventually be a thing of the past, and if this report holds water, the 2013 Porsche 911 GT3 may be the very last Porsche to come with three pedals. If demand is high enough for the manual, Porsche will likely also offer it in the 911 GT3 RS which would likely make a debut 12 to 18 months after the GT3.

So, the moral of the story. Well, if you’re looking for a new Porsche, don’t go with the boring old Carrera or Carrera S, wait for the 911 GT3 to come out and order it in a manual, as we cannot foresee a world without real drivers cars!

2013 Mercedes GL-Class

The Mercedes GL-Class entered production in 2006 and six years later, is still rolling around in its first generation. However, for 2013, Mercedes is launching a new generation of the SUV, with an improved exterior look and new, more fuel efficient engines. The new GL-Class made its world debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show and will go on sale in the U.S. in September 2012.

The new GL-Class has a more powerful and sporty appearance, thanks to its new upright radiator grille with a central star and new headlamps with LED technology. The daytime running lamps also feature LED technology and are integrated in a chrome insert in the bumper, while chrome insertions have been placed under the radiator grille.

The new GL-Class will be offered in three models: GL350 BlueTEC, GL450, and GL550. The base version is powered by a 240 HP V6, while the other two models are powered by V8 engines, with 362 HP and 429 HP.

UPDATE 04/05/2012: This review has been updated with the official details and images of the Mercedes GL-Class.

Hit the jump to read more about the Mercedes GL-Class.

Exterior

The new Mercedes GL measures 5120 mm in length, 2141 mm in width, and 1850 mm in height. The SUV has received a new upright radiator grille with central star and new headlamps with LED lights. The daytime running lamps also feature LED technology and are integrated in a chrome insert in the bumper, and beneath the radiator grille the generously sized chrome-look underguard completes the self-confident appearance of the front end.

At the rear, the GL received two-piece LED tail lights that feature fiber optics, a large roof spoiler, and a bumper in a contemporary "wing design" with a generously chromed underguard. The GL-Class also features an extensive AMG Exterior Sports package which is being offered for the first time. This package adds AMG front and rear aprons, special wheel-arch flarings, and 53.3 cm (21-inch) AMG 5‑twin-spoke light-alloy wheels.

Interior

For the interior, Mercedes has added fine materials and lovingly crafted details, optimum ergonomics, and a generous amount of space. The model has received new trims in various wood and aluminum variants, silver chrome controls, and upholstery crafted in breathable ARTICO man-made leather.

The new GL-Class now offers more room for the occupants on all three rows of seats. It also features an EASY-ENTRY system on both sides – also available with electric operation on request – for access to the third row of seats.

Engine Line-up

For 2013, the GL-Class will be offered in three trim levels: GL350 BlueTEC, GL450, and GL550. The base GL350 is powered by an extensively re-engineered V6 engine that delivers a total of 240 HP and 455 lb-ft of torque - or an increase of 30 HP and 55 lb-ft over the outgoing model.

The GL450 features a twin-turbo direct-injection V8 motor that delivers a total of 362 HP and 406 lb-ft of torque, or 27 HP and 67 lb-ft more than its predecessor. For the GL550, the V8 engine delivers a total of 429 HP and 516 lb-ft of peak torque - an increase of 47 HP and 125 lb-ft of peak torque over the previous model.

The engines feature direct-injection and are paired with the new seven-speed automatic transmission.

Prices

The 2013 GL-Class goes on sale in the U.S. in September 2012. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

The list of competitors for the GL-Class includes models like the Audi Q7 and the Land Rover LR4. The Q7 is preparing to enter its second generation for the 2013 model year. It will be lighter compared to the current model and will be offered with a new range of engines. The LR4 is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine that delivers a total of 375 bhp and 375 lbs/ft torque, which gives the LR4 a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.5 seconds.

Suzuki Going High-Tech; Will include Pandora in 2013 Models

When considering motorcycles, Suzuki is likely a brand that comes to mind. Their cars, on the other hand, nearly go unnoticed unless you are looking for specifically cheap transportation. They typically only account for a fraction of a percent of U.S. auto sales, but that fraction is a tight and very loyal market. Well, it looks like they are trying to dig themselves out of obscurity by adding high-end features to their vehicles.

Starting in the 2013 model year, nearly every Suzuki car, truck, and SUV will include a Garmin stereo system that will also include Pandora radio. With the internet taking over everything nowadays, it’s only expected that internet radio would make its way into more cars – heck, some cars now have a hard drive bigger than my desktop PC, seriously…

Pandora works a lot like satellite radio, as it is not broadcasted from terrestrial towers, but rather streamed through the internet. You can personalize your own station too, so there is no need to swap the station every time something you can’t stand comes blasting through the speakers.

There is no receiver or anything like that for Pandora radio, so this is really not costing Suzuki much, meaning the cost to you would be minimal, if anything. The Garmin radio connects to an iPhone, per Pandora, and the iPhone in turn receives the Pandora signal, broadcasting it through the radio. It makes us curious because Pandora radio also has an Android app, which means nearly any phone on the market can receive its signal. However, Pandora specifically mentions just the iPhone in its press release.

We are starting to wonder if iPhone and Garmin are maybe up to something, or did the Pandora rep just misspeak. For the sake of all Suzuki buyers that choose to use this service, we hope the latter is the truth. From our research, it looks like Garmin and Suzuki have apps for both Android and iPhone, so it was likely a mistake to just say “iPhone.”

Regardless of its connectivity, this is a step in the right direction towards Suzuki reeling in its direct competitors, Hyundai and Kia.

Hit the jump to read Pandora’s official press release.

Suzuki Announces Plans to Integrate Pandora into Vehicles

2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara

OAKLAND, Calif., April 4, 2012 (4:30 p.m. EST) - Pandora (NYSE: P), the leading personalized radio service, announced today at the New York International Auto Show that Suzuki has joined the roster of automotive brands who have publicly announced plans to integrate Pandora into the radio of the vehicle. Pandora will be available via a Garmin unit that will be factory-installed on most 2013 model year Suzuki vehicles. The system will support hallmark Pandora functions such as thumbs-up, thumbs-down and track skip. In-car connectivity is made possible via a paired iPhone. The first Suzuki vehicles are expected to be available at dealers beginning this fall.

2012 Suzuki Kizashi

Pandora Executive Vice President of Business and Corporate Development Jessica Steel said, "As Pandora continues to redefine radio, we are excited to welcome new automotive brands like Suzuki who are making it possible for listeners and drivers to enjoy their personalized radio stations while on-the-road."

2012 Suzuki SX4 SportBack

"Pandora offers a unique radio experience so we’re pleased to enable their offering for consumers who choose the Garmin infotainment system for Suzuki vehicles," said Matt Munn, Garmin’s managing director automotive OEM. "Our built-in voice command technology makes it easy for drivers to control Pandora’s features from the in-dash radio of their vehicle."

2012 Suzuki SX4 Crossover

Mercedes' Range Rover rival

 

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Leaked images reveal new look for Benz GL-Class.
Mercedes-Benz's new-look GL-Class large SUV has been revealed online after an apparent leak.
The German brand's Range Rover-rivalling four-wheel-drive boasts Benz's new family face as seen on the recently revealed SL convertible, with new look headlights incorporating integrated daytime running lights, a more aggressive front bumper with squared-off air intakes and a bolder looking grille.
The new GL-Class is scheduled to arrive locally later this year (specific timing not yet confirmed), and Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed to Drive that two models will be available, and both will offer more standard equipment for similar prices to the current versions.

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The first will be the entry-level GL350 CDI, powered by a 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 producing 195kW/620Nm that is likely to be tweaked for slightly more power and better efficiency. The current model starts at $119,270 plus on-road costs.
The only other model to be sold here will be the GL500 petrol, which is powered by a 4.6-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing 285kW/530Nm. It is currently priced at $173,200 (plus costs), and the new one isn't expected to stray too far from that point.
One model that won't be sold here this time around is the 4.0-litre turbo diesel V8-powered GL450 model. Mercedes-Benz says this model has not been made available to Australia for this product cycle.
All GL-Class models sold here will feature all-wheel-drive and be fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic as standard.

The German brand will also update its niche, army-inspired G-Wagen model from September 2012 - though judging from the images of the car you'd be hard-pressed to pick the differences.
The G-Wagen range will continue to be kicked off with the G350, 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel model. It, like the GL, could get a minor boost to power and a drop in fuel consumption. This model is currently priced from $161,680, and the new version will likely remain positioned close to that point.
The petrol-powered range-topping G55 will be replaced with a new model known as the G63. The new model will be fitted Mercedes' 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which is expected to herald significant fuel economy gains over the existing 5.4-litre supercharged V8 version.
Mercedes-Benz will also be offering a new flagship model, known as the G65. It will be powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine - the same one as is fitted to Mercedes' new SL convertible - meaning it should boast outputs of 463kW and 1000Nm. Mercedes-Benz says it has "no idea" on price for that model just yet.
The company is also said to be considering a stripped-out version of the G-Glass to appeal to mining companies, similar to Toyota's recently-introduced entry-level version of its LandCruiser, the GX.