Noteworthy: Hyundai forges their own path in hybrids

Hyundai has been stunning the US auto market by producing more and more reliable vehicles at lower than average prices. They're effectively chipping away at the negative stigma many consumers harbor towards the brand. Following this trend Hyundai recently created the 2011 Sonata Hybrid, a vehicle that makes you feel as good as it looks.

The South Korean automaker decided not to license Toyota's hybrid technology (as several other auto manufacturers are) but instead to create their own unique hybrid system using smaller and lighter nickel-metal hydride batteries.

A 40-hp electric motor sits between the engine and the transmission in place of a torque converter giving the hybrid a combined system output of 209 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Surprisingly the Sonata can run solely on the electric motor at speeds up to 62mph.

The leather laden interior is sleek and the center console offers enough gadgets and gizmos to keep even the most ADHD driver occupied.

Look out for the new Sonata late this year.
The numbers:
Price: $27,500
Zero to 60 mph: 9.2 sec
Top speed (governor limited): 123 mph
EPA city/highway driving: 37/40 mpg

-Nicho

The 2011 335is makes the 2011 M3 obselete!

The new 335is's single turbo engine produces 320hp and 370 lb-ft of torque when demanded. This power drives the coupe through a 1/4mi. in 13.3 seconds at 108mph.

Subtle design updates give the coupe an even sportier look. Check out the rear diffuser below.

The interior remains mostly unchanged but is still on par when with the M's

BMW’s new DCT dual-clutch automated manual transmission addressed the first gear engagement problem found in the M3. This makes for quicker launches in the 335is.

The new 335is offers greater fuel efficiency, almost identical performance and similar styling all while saving you $8,000. I find it a difficult argument to pick the M3 over the 335. Watch out for the tuners who get a hold of this car and boost it's turbo output, it's going to be a rocket ship and put the M3 to shame. Lesson here, BMW might be cutting into their M-market with the high performance daily drivers they're currently producing.

Below is the 2011 335is

0-60mph: 4.6s
1/4mi: 13.2s
MPG: 17/24 mpg
Price: $50,525

Now compare to the 2011 M3 seen below. Not much different right?

0-60mph: 4.6s
1/4mi: 12.7s
MPG: 14mpg/20mpg
Price: $58,400

-Nicho

Germany says goodbye to Uruguay!

Germany just shut down Uruguay with a 3-2 victory. Sami Khedira, center, celebrates after scoring Germany's third goal in today's game.


Below: Uruguay's goalkeeper Fernando Muslera reacts to his teams defeat.


-Nicho

A Letter from Apple regarding the iPhone 4

Like any good Apple user I subscribe to the company's RSS feed which emails breaking news on Apple's products. This morning I received a funny email entitled "A Letter from Apple regarding the iPhone 4". The press release began with the following: "The iPhone 4 has been the most successful product launch in Apple’s history. It has been judged by reviewers around the world to be the best smartphone ever, and users have told us that they love it. So we were surprised when we read reports of reception problems, and we immediately began investigating them." Surprised Apple? Really? This is the first time that you've received complaints about your phone's service?

The company boasted about it's new antenna design which was supposed to promote better signal in areas where the previous generations experienced problems. Obviously engineers overestimated the Antenna's improvement in the 4.

The press release divides the signal problems between an incorrect signal calculation formula and the position of the user's hand during calls. Are you serious? I can't hold my $500 phone a certain way or it won't work? C'mon! Grow up Apple! You release great products but get your stuff together. If the service provider you're in contract with isn't up to par, drop them and go with someone who's reliable. The iPhone rocks but consumer's are going to be left with a sour feeling when they realize they can't complete a phone call. I know I'm pretty bitter concerning my iPhone's spotty service.

images from apple.com

Here's a link to the full press release
A Letter from Apple regarding the iPhone 4

-Nicho

2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible

I'm not even going to bore you with the amazing statistics on the 2011 Supersport Convertible. To sum it up, Bentley has stripped weight, stiffened suspension, tweaked the transmission for faster shifting and upped Horsepower/Torque to create a lean mean super sophisticated driving machine. The new convertible is quite easy on the eyes but less so on the wallet with prices hovering just below $300K.













images from caranddriver.com

Numbers:
Weight: 5400 lbs.
HP/TQ: 621 bhp/590 ft-lbs.
0-60mph: 3.9 sec
1/4-mile: 12.3 sec
Top speed: 202 mph (redline limited)
Price: $286,695