ARK Performance is conspiring with Hyundai to bring a 500 horsepower Genesis Coupe to the 2015 SEMA in November. The two companies collaborated last year to present the AR550 Genesis Sedan, an all-out aftermarket kit for the Hyundai Genesis that includes exterior and interior enhancements, performance upgrades, and suspension improvements.
Dubbed the “Solus” Genesis Coupe, the stanced sport coupe will rival a Mercedes AMG C63, BMW M4 or Lexus RC F, except with more attitude. Starting with an ARK “Solus” widebody kit, an APR Performance carbon fiber front splitter and an ARK Legato trunk spoiler complete the outside visual package. The reworked interior will feature a redesigned dashboard, racing steering wheel and gauges, and carbon fiber trim.
“The Genesis Coupe is the perfect platform for developing our performance product lineup,” said Kevin Bentley, Marketing and Sales Manager, ARK Performance, Inc. “Hyundai’s 3.8-liter engine is strong enough to handle all the extra power we’re now developing, and the chassis is well balanced and easy to modify, allowing us to create this lowered, aggressive stance while maintaining that clean look we’re going for.”
Under the hood sits a “Lambda” V6 engine stroked from 3.8 to 4.0 liters for more power. Thanks to the addition of a Rotrex supercharger and strengthened engine internals, the Genesis Coupe project develops more than 500 horsepower. A 6-speed manual transmission sends the power to the rear wheels, which are shod with sticky, Nitto rubber.
The AR550 Genesis Sedan and Solus Genesis Coupe are not the first time Hyundai and ARK Performance have joined forces. At the 2012 SEMA Show, the pair brought a high performance track edition Genesis Coupe R-Spec model that made 395 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. The exterior design went to the extreme using race-inspired flared fenders, an aggressive front splitter, and carbon fiber hood with heat extractor vents.
2012 ARK Performance Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec
Not much has changed since Roman and Nathan reviewed the 2013 Genesis Coupe. See why they had a difference of opinion with Hyundai’s 2-door, rear-wheel drive sports coupe.
TFLcar recently received a report of a 2015 Chevy Corvette Z06 coupe overheating after one fast lap at the Pueblo Motorsports Park near Pueblo, Colorado.
Michael Pettiford of Go4It Services stated: “I took a 2015 Corvette Z06 coupe with the 8-speed automatic for a fast lap around the Pueblo racetrack. The coolant temperature went from around 220F to 260F after one lap and I had to bring the car back in.” When asked about the ambient temperature, Michael said; “It was a late morning and temperature was around 80F.” Michael added, “The Z06 showed a high level of grip. The braking performance was excellent, and the cockpit ergonomics were outstanding.”
TFLcar reached out to Chevrolet for comment and quickly received a response. Chevrolet communications referenced a recent blog post by Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer.
The complete blog post is copied verbatim below. The summary of the statement is that the C7 Corvette Z06 was designed and tested to run competitive racing laps for an indefinite amount of time when equipped with the 7-speed manual transmission. This is tested and verified with the ambient temperature of 86F (or 30C).
The Z06 equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission puts a higher demand on the engine due to closely spaced gear ratios and higher average rpms. The post also states that the Z06 with an Automatic is capable of faster lap times when compared to the Manual.
Here is the blog post by Tadge Juechter in its entirety.
There are lots of interesting back stories behind recent media tests, but the question asks about Road Atlanta so for the purposes of this thread I will focus on our long lead media event last November. We spent a week there with journalists from around the world. We had pro drivers Tommy Milner, Randy Pobst, and Andy Pilgrim behind the wheel along with many other very capable drivers. They were permitted to run consecutive laps with minimal or no traffic, so essentially “qualifying laps”. Over the course of the week we had 2 cars come into the pits with a hot warning messages. The first was due to the loss of an accessory drive belt. We had a pre-production tensioner on that car which failed, throwing the belt and we lost the water pump. We have had no issues with production tensioners. The second car was an automatic. I believe it was being driven by Randy on the hottest day there which was right around our design performance target of 86 degrees (more on that below). After multiple laps at speed he came in with a hot warning message. Although the car had been out on track all week, that was the first and only incident. In Corvette’s 60 year history, we have never put automatics on track for media and never encouraged people interested in track usage to buy automatics. The new 8 speed automatic gives us a chance to put more automatic transmission customers on the track. Since there is some lack of clarity around the true capability of each of the transmissions, this question gives us the opportunity to publish some guidelines:
•The Z06 Manual is designed to keep engine oil, coolant, transmission and differential fluids below the hot warning targets when driven by a professional on a 30C day (86F) on a “typical” racetrack for an indefinite period of time (effectively the time to burn through a full tank of fuel). Our team validates the durability of the Z06 cooling systems with a 24hr accumulated track test to simulate a full season of amateur racing or aggressive track-day usage in these conditions.
•We designate our track: the Milford Road Course, as the “typical” standard, but recognize that there are tracks around the world which are easier on a cooling system and some which are harder on a cooling system. Generally speaking, tighter tracks with lower average speed and higher sustained RPM, will drive higher fluid system temperatures.
•Higher temperature ambient conditions affects all car’s abilities to run sustained laps at ten-tenths.
•The Z06 Automatic transmission put in “Drive” selects the lowest possible gear ratio for best acceleration, and because it has 8 closely-spaced ratios typically runs higher average RPM than the manual. This optimizes lap time performance, but also taxes the engine oil and coolant more for any given track. So the automatic has the capability to run faster laps than the manual, but thermal limitations are reached more quickly. Customers who are planning to run extended track-day sessions at ‘professional’ speeds, are advised to go with the manual transmission, or to paddle shift the automatic and select higher gears when conditions warrant it.
•Any time the maximum recommended temperatures are reached in any condition, the DIC will give warnings at the appropriate time for coolant, oil, or transmission fluid. A cool-down lap or two will bring operating temperatures back to a reasonable level and aggressive track driving can be resumed.
Some may wonder why don’t we design to higher temperatures, say 110 degrees to accommodate southern tracks in the Summer. We have used the “pro driver at 86 degrees” criteria for generations of Corvettes and for the vast majority of customers, it has resulted in excellent performance for their usage. If we designed to higher temperature criteria, we would have to add a lot of cooling hardware which drives mass up and perhaps more importantly, you have to feed the system with more air which has a huge impact on appearance and aerodynamic drag. Like most aspects of car design, the challenge is in finding the best balance of conflicting requirements.
Learn all the details about the Corvette Z06 convertible here.
Watch the Corvette Z06 coupe debut at the Detroit Auto Show.
The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V is one hot rocket and brandishes some impressive numbers. Available in either coupe or sedan form, the ATS-V can muster 464 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged V6. Even more impressive is the 445 lb-ft of torque that packs one helluva a wallop up to 3,500 rpm when it sends that power to the rear wheels via a short-throw 6-speed manual or a paddle-shift 8-speed automatic.
The steel and aluminum chassis has been reworked and stiffer thanks to a shock tower brace, V-shaped braces under the hood, a stronger rocker bulkhead and rear cradle-to-rocker braces, and an aluminum shear panel in front. The suspension is computer controlled, with advanced magnetic dampers and the excellent Performance Traction Management (PTM) system.
Creature comfort features abound for both the driver and front passenger. The optional Recaro seats embrace their occupants and hold them in place with ample bolsters, while still offering a luxury feel. Only one trim level is offered, which includes standard equipment like 18-inch alloy wheels, Bose premium audio system, Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, leather interior, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rearview camera, power tilt/telescoping steering column, and wireless phone charging.
The Cadillac ATS-V sedan competes quite favorably with the best of the German sports sedans, namely the BMW M3 and M4, and the Mercedes-AMG C63. Like its luxury competition, the ATS-V is equally at home on a race track or enjoyed as a luxury car on the street.
This shiny sedan from Detroit can gallop from zero to sixty in 3.9 seconds, but how will it perform in the thin air of Colorado? Watch this TFL Car video and find out if the Cadillac ATS-V can scorch the quarter-mile 5,800 feet above sea level.
A lot of details still remain unknown about the “Dieselgate” scandal. Volkswagen finds itself in the middle of the emissions cheating scandal that cost the company it’s reputation, business, and at least $7.3 Billion.
EPA accused Volkswagen of discrepancies between “real world” diesel emissions from their TDI passenger cars and lab tests. The cars emit between 10 and 40 times less nitrous oxide during the EPA lab testing when compared to regular street driving. Hence, the “cheater” computer program or the “defeat device”. VW admitted that the car’s computer goes into a “clean” mode during emissions testing and goes back into regular mode during everyday driving.
However, we still do not know how this affects the power or MPG numbers on the affected vehicles. The involved cars in the American market are: 2009-2015 VW Jetta, Golf, Beetle, and Passat with the 2.0-liter TDI engine. Audi A3 with the 2.0-liter TDI are also affected. Altogether, there are up to 11 million vehicles sold worldwide with this “cheater” device.
Today, VW announced that they retrofit the 11 million affected vehicles to resolve the problem. They estimate the cost of this action at $6.5 Billion. Once again, they did not specify what the fix entails. Is it a simple reprogramming? Does it require any hardware installation? Will it affect real-world power and MPG numbers?
Volkswagen says, more details on the fix will be released in October 2015.
TFLcar is working hard to answer some of these questions. Stay tuned for more about this very soon.
Watch Michael Horn, CEO of Volkswagen America, address the “dieselgate” scandal.
The Scion xB has been a part of the brand’s lineup since its inception. To mark its last year of production, Scion will offer a special 686 Parklan edition of the iconic box.
Scion will build only 686 examples of this special xB, which was designed in collaboration with the 686 company, which specializes in clothing for snowboarders.
The final product is more of a styling exercise than anything else. Underneath, the 686 Parklan edition will have all the same specs as other xBs, meaning a 2.4-liter four making 158 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Scion didn’t specify available transmissions, but regular xBs come with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.
So what does $19,685 plus $795 delivery buy in this xB? To start, the car wears new gloss black, 16-inch wheels with the 686 logo, along with blacked-out trim. The paint is called Cocoa Bean Metallic, and along with red accents on the bumpers and side mirrors, is meant to evoke the 686 brand colors.
Inside, the xB gets extras to make it more amenable to skiers and snowboarders. It has a driver’s side zippered storage pocket and two more zippered pockets on the seatbacks. It also comes with all weather floor and cargo mats. Also available is a custom storage box and roof rack system.
686 took an xB across the country and highlighted it in a film called “686 Seconds.” The trip and the car used in it were the inspiration for the 686 Parklan edition.
The xB has been in the Scion lineup since the 2004 model year. A rebadged version of the Japanese-market Toyota bB, the first-generation xB was a complete box on wheels, and was a surprise success for the fledgling brand. The xB was redesigned for the 2008 model year with a larger body and much less boxy styling. However, despite being designed for the American market based on customer feedback, the second generation never sold as much as the first generation, as sales slowly fell throughout the model’s run.
Check out this TFLcar video of one of the newest Scions, the 2016 iA:
Porsche is not resting when it comes with updating the Panamera sedan. The car has seen several new models and updates over the last few years. There was a long wheelbase Executive model in 2014 as well as hybrid variants. The 570 horsepower Turbo S model came on the scene for the 2015 model year.
Now, here is a Panamera prototype spied testing at high altitude of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. This car is all blacked out with film covering the front and the rear lights. The side profile and c-pillar window trim also see some careful masking. The roof line is smoothed out for a long four-door coupe appearance.
There is what appears to be a larger retractable rear wing, four exhaust outlets, and radiators/intercoolers hiding behind the front grille openings. Perhaps Porsche is testing the new turbocharged engine lineup that is also coming to the 911 lineup?
Check out the video of the 2017 Porsche Panamera prototype to see more details.
The Infiniti QX50 is a pint-size crossover SUV that suffered from cramped dimensions and lack of useful cargo space. For the 2016 model year, Infiniti has recognized the QX50’s limitations by adding space everywhere and giving it a minor facelift. Now the compact crossover, which was once known as the EX 35 before someone at Infiniti renamed all their crossovers to QX, is far more useful.
The Infiniti QX50 has widened its wheelbase 3.2 inches and added 4.5 inches in length. These numbers may not seem significant, but it translates to a cabin with an additional 8.3 cubic feet of space and more than four inches of knee and legroom for the backseat passengers. Now, tall 6’2″ rear seat passengers will fit without having to fold up their knees to chest.
The extended wheelbase of the 2016 QX50 helps grow maximum cargo space to 50.1 cubic feet. A dimension that bests the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 which have 48.2 and 47.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, respectively. The Lexus NX a smidge more space than the QX50 with a max cargo capacity of 53.7 cubic feet.
Roman takes the refreshed 2016 Infiniti QX50 for a drive and explores what is new for 2016 in the TFL Car video.
2016 Infiniti QX50 AWD Specs:
Engine: 3.7L V6
Power: 325 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 267 lb-ft 5,200 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Drivetrain layout: front engine, all-wheel drive
Curb weight: 4,017 lbs.
EPA-estimated fuel economy (mpg): 17 city / 24 hwy
What is the highest drivable mountain in New York? It is the Whiteface Mountain – the highest natural point in the state.
Check out this episode of the Motor Mountain USA as Nathan and Andre go to upstate New York to find this beautiful mountain road and to get a look at one of the harshest mountain environments in the east.
The summit of the mountain is 4,865 feet above sea level, and the road takes you just below that point. This place is known for high winds and harsh weather conditions, and the winds were blowing strong during our #MMUSA visit.
One of the best ways of experiencing America first hand is hitting the open road with the windows and top down in the 2015 Jeep Rubicon Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock. The Motor Mountain USA (#MMUSA) team embarks upon an epic road trip this year by visiting the highest drivable roads of every state in the USA. Along the way Nathan, Roman, Andre and Emme will visit locales less traveled and uniquely American attractions that make the United States one of the world’s favorite tourist destinations.
The New York belt buckle was hidden not far from the Whiteface mountain toll road. Watch the video below to see the location and get all the details.
Thanks to Turtle Wax and their ICE premium care products with new Smart Shield Technology for helping make the Motor Mountain USA adventure possible and keeping the Jeep Wrangler looking good. Protect the body. #FreeTheSoul by checking out the line of Turtle Wax products that builds layers of shine and protection.
The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid hatchback stakes a claim as one of the most efficient and practical cars for the money — but just how good is it on a 1,200-mile road trip?
Toyota went down the list of complaints about its electric crossover, sorting several of them with this update.
Whether you're personally looking to make the...
