Motorweek; 2007

This time on motor we Hyundai short for new SUV BMW 3 Series for fun in family and making smarter cars. So come drive with us now. Will the. TV's original automotive magazines brought to you by Priceline dot com with Priceline dot com you name your own price for new cars. All makes and models of cars trucks sport utility vehicles minivans and more. When you log on to Priceline dot com you name your own price. And buy equal tire performance in cars light trucks and SUV equal reduces tire vibrations so your tires can meet the road more evenly equals for added safety stability and handling for the life of your tires. And by pep boys no matter what you drive. Pep Boys has over 27000 items in stock. Virtually any part for any car with all the name brands you know plus service pay staff with a a c

certified technicians Pep Boys parts tires accessories service. Your host for Motor Week. John Davis. Hello and welcome again to motor week. We're glad to have you with us. Nowadays a car maker that doesn't have an SUV in their lineup doesn't have a complete lineup. But not every company can build a monster like this one. Hyundai for instance has no truck tradition in the U.S. but it does build some pretty nifty cars. So when designing their new SUV they went with their strengths and the result is the Santa Fe sport. That's compact and affordable. But will those attributes be enough to get the Santa fé noticed. Well with the burgeoning health of the small sport huge market is any indication. Sunday's new Santa Fe just might be able to break into the big time. To do so and will have to offer potential buyers the same attributes as larger more expensive sports gives such a styling that smooth yet sufficiently aggressive something that

Hyundai designers in California and curry have succeeded at very nicely. It's a look to borrow styling elements from Hyundai's compact Tiburon coupe and then pumps them up maybe a bit too much. The most prominent exterior feature is the hefty lower body cladding its gaping intake is flanked by available driving lamps set deep enough to avoid debris. But while the look is full size SUV the Sonata based Santa Fe is only one hundred seventy seven point two inches long riding on a one hundred three point one inch wheel base. Both measurements nearly identical to a Honda CRV but with a whip of seventy two point six inches it easily out straddles other many uses and is comparable to the Ford Explorer. Santa Fe stability also benefits from a hefty thirty five hundred pound weight to move that weight Hyundai and puts the Santa Fe with a base 150 horsepower four cylinder or as on our test truck and all new 2.7 liter dual overhead can be six. That produces 185 horsepower and one hundred eighty seven pound feet of

torque. Transmission choices or a 5 speed manual or a four speed shift tronics automatically. Four cylinder. Will be six gets the ship chronic only with its manual shift override capability. These are linked to either state or front wheel drive or optional full time for will drive they use a transfer case with a viscous coupling to send up to 40 percent of the torque to the rear wheels when needed. While there is no low range a locking differential is on the way. We spend a lot of miles in a V-6 powered Santa Fe at its press debut in California even with its off road aspirations in tuning our drivers found the Santa Fe to be one of Hyundai's most refined products for highway driving. The V-6 is very smooth but feels a little short on the run for the set of phase weight 0 60 takes 9.5 seconds. And while the automatic transmission offered solid chips we found little advantage in the shift tonics manual no ride and handling were very good to make. Construct broad and multi link rear suspension provide about flat precise

cornering and a comfortable ride. Some of that fine grip and feel can be attributed to the 16 inch wheels mounting hefty 225 70 B.F. Goodridge tires. A more substantial package than offered by most mini competitor off road with the four wheel drive system capable enough on dirt roads or loose gravel but hardly a serious stumble or something that the folks at Hyundai freely admit. Yet Santa Fe does boast 8.1 inches of in a body ground clearance and an available skid plate to protect vital drive train components like the Santa Fe is more of an all weather urban commuter sports you a fact reflected by its well equipped Interior which is more a family sedan than truck. The dash is straight forward yet good looking with decent quality plastics and large clear gauges. Step in as nice and low by SUV standards and places you in seats that are well padded with standard side impact airbag. The standard CD stereo is well sited high in the center dash but has

buttons that are quite small. They heat and ventilation controls however are absolutely idiot proof. While the rear seat offers a respectable head and leg room as well as a standard split folding seat back which allows a maximum cargo volume of seventy eight cubic feet again more comparable to an explorer than a CRV rear seat up cargo space is twenty nine point four cubic feet. If the Santa Fe meets your SUV needs and desires that your local Hyundai dealer with at least sixteen thousand nine hundred thirty four dollars in hand for up front drive four cylinder AGL at all will drive one of the six in the price rises to twenty thousand two hundred thirty four dollars. Top of the line is the yellow axle will drive the six which goes for twenty two thousand four hundred thirty four dollars. Those are pretty competitive prices. Plus the Santa Fe also includes Hyundai's extensive warranty packages with five year 60000 mile hole vehicle coverage and ten year 100000 miles on the drive train. Yes we're impressed with the Santa Fe as are our

friends and am I auto world weekly. Who wrote that. Hyundai may be coming late to the SUV party but in our judgment it comes well prepare prepared to grab itself a healthy chunk of the small SUV market and show the world that you don't have to be an old hand at trucks to win over contemporary sports buyers. Coming up smarter cars make safer drivers. What time is it. Why it's Car Care time. So let's see what motor week's top tech Pat Goss has for us. John you would think that every person on the planet would know that the filters on their car need periodic replacement but that isn't the case. Here's a good example. No this air filter didn't burn up. This is just terminal. Old age and that can be disaster let a lot of dirt into the engine. So air filters they need to be changed on a regular basis. They should be checked about every six months at the outside and when they start to get

discolored and dirty. Time to put a new one in. Also remember that air filters now are mostly of the square or rectangular variety. The old round ones are for the most part gone. But oil that's the lifeblood of the engine and oil filters are critical. Make sure that you buy a high quality oil filter. You might want to do some research and look at test reports and so on. Because there are big differences on the insides of filters. Look at the difference in the number of pleats in this filter compared to the other two. Also look at the fact that this one is made of cardboard and the others are made of metal that could be significant. So do your homework and buy a good quality oil filter one that is precisely engineered for your car and if you have a question as to whether it's the right one then buy it from the dealer. Fuel filters they need to be changed regularly. Many people never change them. They should be changed once a year. And when you take the old one off you should cut it apart

look at what's inside that old filter. You want to look down inside the pleats you might find one like this one where there are metal filings in there. Not from cutting it apart but imbedded deep into the pleats. That means that the electric fuel pump on your car is getting ready to leave you stranded. Ok but also when you take that fuel filter off collect the gasoline that comes from it. Look at it in a glass container and you may see that it's full of contamination and if so you need servicing of the fuel system because otherwise you'll have problems with fuel injectors and performance. Now another thing that we get a lot of complaints on cars come into the shop all the time with a complaint of improper cooling in the summer or improperly heating inside the vehicle in the winter. Well what we find many many times is that the cabin air filter is

all clogged up should be nice and bright and shiny. You know a lot of people don't even know that they have one. Look at your owner's manual and if you have a cabin air filter replace it on a regular basis and also replace it before you buy any expensive air conditioning or heat or repair work. If you have a question or a comment write to me. If I use your letter on the air I'll send you a motor week T-shirt. The address is Motor Week always Mills Maryland 2 1 1 1 7. Nothing is progressing faster than computer aided automotive technology. Why in 20 years cars have gone from being dumb hunks of rolling metal. To having more computer power on board than the lunar lander. But like a space ship the brains are there to help pilot the vehicle more safely and from a recent visit inside the labs of one high tech supplier. It's clear we haven't driven anything yet.

You've heard the acronyms and terms in our motor we test abs for anti-lock brakes a computer aided hydraulic system that helps maintain steering control and prevent skids during panic braking by a limb in a wheel lock up. The same sensors help prevent skids while accelerating in slick conditions with brake activated TCAS for traction control system and lately we've been raving about ESB. That's the electronic stability program that extends abs and traction control technology to help coax a vehicle through corners the way the driver intended. And while you may not completely understand how these marvels work. Most new vehicle buyers do understand that these electronic vehicle dynamics systems act as something of a safety security blanket almost like an invisible copilot. They can react faster to unexpected driving conditions than most drivers can do themselves. I don't think vehicle dynamic aids that help build a consumer's unquenchable desire for safety without also causing more highway distraction.

Takes a big commitment by automakers and their suppliers so firms that specialize in the electronic vehicle dynamics systems are rapidly expanding and that's the reason for this new North American Original Equipment headquarters for Continental Tevis incorporated. One of the largest suppliers of electronic driving aids. The purpose of this 250000 square foot of research engineering and prototyping facility is to not only speed up improvements in existing systems as well as individual components like sensors but to develop integrated driving systems to take advantage of the ever expanding computer power in our cars. North American President William explains We have a unique ability to integrate tires with brakes air suspension. To bring the car manufacture a lot more value than what for example anyone could do two years ago. We're very unique in that respect. Today we have significantly more engineering capacity than we did last year the year before and the demand continues to be strong and

are Gration is the key word to meeting the demands of automotive chassis designers. This integration and evolution is already progressed from ABS to traction control to stability systems like ESPN. Indeed around the cavernous vehicle development garage where displays that show where the industry is today but in nearby labs where the paint was barely dry work is well along on new technologies that can detect and react to other potentially dangerous driving conditions like rollovers and for electronic systems like ESPN to coordinate with mechanical chassis suspension components like shocks and springs all to improve cornering stability further. Indeed that was the focus of the designers of the multi dimensional 2001 Audi all road Quatro the all road with its variable drive height is the first vehicle to connect an intelligent air suspension to a chassis with electronic brake acceleration and cornering skid control in the all road the ride height automatically lowers to five point six

inches at high speed to lower the center of gravity for flatter cornering. Yet it can raise to eight point six inches when off roading is the all roads mission. To Continental Tempus the all road is another important step but hardly the last one. Philip Agee quatre is chief engineer of chassis systems for Continental Tevis. Now you have electronic stability control systems which are let's say sophisticated brake extension system if you will. We are working on suspension as well. And of course the future will be is that these two will interact in a extensive way. For instance in the near future when an ESB system senses a cornering mistake not only will brakes be selectively applied to keep the car on course but the air suspension will simultaneously adjust ride height at one or more corners of the vehicle to shift weight distribution for more steering precision. Meanwhile even more sensors some inside intelligent tires are actually

measuring the forces between the tires and the road. Also the integrated dynamic system can react faster and add control that keeps the vehicles an occupant secure. But there are plenty of critics of these electronic driver aids. They've a moan a loss of personal control behind the wheel from too much microchip intervention and with that a loss in the very spirit of the open road. Well from what we saw that's unlikely to happen at the Continental Tevis labs. The men and women who are developing the systems are enthusiastic too. What do they see as the goals of their work. Again William because there are. The consumer will be able to experience enhanced performance enhancing if to feel more comfortable and same time continue to have fun in driving the automobile. In other words in America the drive safer is also one that keeps the automotive love affair going strong. Even if they do get a little help now and then.

We rounded the last corner and can see the finish line in our year long test of this infinity I-30 and for the most part it's been very pleasant while we were not thrilled about a few aspects of this Maxima based entry level sedan when we began our test 11 months ago. The ride was too soft even with the fine handling touring package. The brakes a bit touchy and recently gauges growing a bit dim. Our affection over time continued to grow. A special note is the excellent power train Nissan's two hundred twenty seven or so our 3 liter V-6 and almost invisible automatic and a wider than expected array of standard features like a top notch both stereo and power rear sunshade our log book notes can be summed up with a single entry. This is the best spa in the mere luxury sedan class. Mileage continues high for a luxury car to its twenty four point two after nearly 20000 miles would easily

drive are II 30 to infinity. And. Beyond. Packaging how much car you can put into a given space is why we first fell for the Ford Focus ETF sedan. Now after six months and 6000 mostly commuter miles we had quality of workmanship. And best of all driving fun. What is the last time you heard that comment about an entry level domestic sedan. It seems that the European developed focus shows its heritage and frankly is helping raise the bar in what was an appliance car class. Now if they could only make the lively 130 or so power to leaders E-Tec or cylinder a little less rapidly at high revs and were also having trouble with a power window that operates only when it wants to. But overall mileage is fine at twenty seven point two miles per gallon and so are our feelings about the Ford Focus CTX will reveal our latest feelings about another Ford product. The giant excursion SUV on our next motor week long term road test update.

Now let's steer over to Jennifer because novice with the newest models to hit the market and all the rest of the motor news. This week on Motor News Ford Motor Company wants to make you stop and think literally. They want you to think City think a neighbor and think bike at least when it comes to these three new environmentally clean vehicles. In Washington D.C. Recently think Ford's newest brand showed up with what they call three fun innovative and environmentally responsible methods of personal mobility. The big clincher is they are all zero emission vehicles. The Think City is an electric powered car designed to cater to the commuter or for someone who makes short trips. The car has a recyclable corrosion free dent resistant thermal plastic body similar to a Saturn inside the interior seats two people quite comfortably. Power is from a three phase AC induction motor. Top speed is listed at a modest fifty six miles per hour. Think neighbor has a more golf cart like purpose. This Low Speed Electric personal mobility vehicle is meant for getting around close residential communities

resorts and factories or on private roads. Police are already testing the think neighbor as an alternative patrol car. And then there are the think bikes. Two models already available. The $1000 think fun and the twelve hundred dollar think traveler. Both are electric battery power assist bikes meaning that you must pedal but there is a 400 watt DC motor to help you along. The traveler is designed for just that traveling the bike easily folds up and can fit in your car. The fun model is a fixed frame is a little larger with up to a 30 mile range. Ford says the think car will be available here in early 2002 for between 20 to 23 thousand dollars. But the thinking neighbor will go on sale in early 2001 and is expected to cost around $6000. While the future of pure electric vehicles looks cloudy California and other states still want them on the road. So Ford is one company that is thinking ahead. Right now Ford is only showing the European version the U.S. version will be released closer to the production date. And that's it for this week's Motor News.

The BMW 3 Series are among the Motor Week staff's favorite cars mainly because they're so much fun to drive. But while low volume efforts like the M3 may offer more pure excitement than anything else on the road we mustn't forget that the three series includes a wide range of models models that run the gamut from pure family to appear a fun. In fact the 2001 BMW 3 Series lineup includes 10 distinct models rather cross body style and many of them now come with all wheel drive. But this week will focus our attention on the two newest three series body style. The 3 series convertible and the three series for twenty. Two cars at opposite ends of the three series spectrum. This 325 convertible is perfect when Drop Top cruising is in order. A manual top with glass backlight is standard but our Premium Package equipped tester boast of power there requires only one button to put you in the wind stirring it up as an improved

2.5 liter double overhead cam time 24 valve and line 6. That makes 184 horsepower and 175 pound feet of torque. These numbers hold true for all three 25 including our test wagon. But the numbers at the track were noticeably different with both cars running a high speed manual trans speed automatic is also available. The heavier convertible could only muster an eight point six second run to sixty and sixteen point four seconds and 85 mph as it passed through the quarter mile. The aptly named sport wagon trimmed a second off the drop top zero to 60 time with a run of seven point six seconds. It also tacked on a few miles per hour in the quarter mile. Fifteen point seven seconds at 88 mph. Now all three series body styles except the wagon can also be equipped with a new for 2001 3 liter 225 horsepower inline 6. We sample this jewel in a 330 II sedan and nailed 60 in just

6.1 seconds and burned up the quarter mile at fourteen point six seconds at 97 miles per hour. However convertibles are more for getting sunburned than burning rubber. So back in our 325 S.I. Cabrio you'll easily find an ideal tanning position with a wave power adjustable bucket seats 10 way sport buckets if you order the optional sports package. The tilt steering wheel allows a clearer view of a clear competent and complete gauge cluster to the right in the center stack stereo and climate controls are arranged in an accessible and logical fashion. Rear seat room in the 325 CII is snug but that probably won't and shouldn't discourage friends eager to share in your open air revelry. But they'd better be travelling light because there's only 7.7 cubic feet of cargo space to work with. And if it's fast cargo You're eager for. May we suggest this 25 II sports wagon. There you'll find the same interior layout in appointments as offered by the Cabrio and other three series model. However the

wagon comes with a versatile split folding rear seat seat backs up cargo capacity is twenty five point seven cubic feet max down and forty eight cubic feet of space awaits. But the three 25 wagon is way more than just a mover. This square back like all 2001 BMW 3 Series moves your soul the wagon attacks the low speed slalom with much of the same grace and finesse as the sedan. The rapid side to side transitions are wonderfully balanced and body roll inside the cabin feels minimal. The convertible demonstrates the superior torsional rigidity of its unit chassis structure by yielding very little body flex even when pushed to the max. Both cars are ringing endorsement of the fully independent struck tight multi link suspension that offer such a compliant and controlled ride. There's also plenty of peace of mind thrown in as well with active safety standards like dynamic stability control with traction control and dynamic brake

control. When coupled with ABS Cambria from 60 in an average of one hundred three feet. With nearly 12 inch disc around the brakes mean serious business. And with its three series pricing structure. BMW needs to do serious business to 2001 325 carries a reasonable price of twenty nine thousand nine hundred seventy dollars to 325 S.I. convertible is a little pricier at thirty six thousand five hundred sixty dollars. With many of the active and passive safety features previously found only on the more upscale models. New and more powerful engines a higher level of interior comfort and a well-deserved reputation for producing driver's cars. BMW seems bound and determined to cover all the bases with a three series car. What a pity. The series. Has only 10 players. I hope you will join us next week for more motor week. When will test Chrysler's new

Sebring coupe and Nissan super charge front air pick up. I'm John Davis. Well see that motor week has been brought to you by Priceline dot com with Priceline dot com you name your own price for new cars. All makes and models of cars trucks sport utility vehicles minivans and more. When you log on to Priceline dot com you name your own price and buy equal tire performance in cars light trucks and SUV equal reduces tire vibrations so your tires can meet the road more evenly equal for added safety stability and handling for the life of your tires. And by pep boys no matter what you drive Pep Boys has over 27000 items in stock. Virtually any part for any car with all the name brands you know plus service pay staff with a a c certified technicians Pep Boys parts tires accessories service to order a video cassette of this program call 1 800 4 2 2 0 0 6 4. 0

0. This. Week.