Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis concept unveiled at Detroit Auto Show

The HCD-14 Genesis is meant to push Hyundai further into luxury territory with sophisticated styling and 3D gesture recognition technology.

The eye tracking feature allows the driver to select a function, while the 3D system allows him or her to use minimal gestures to make their selection.

These new technologies help the driver control audio, navigation, HVAC, and smartphone connectivity functions. Combined with a head-up display, Hyundai says eye tracking and gesture recognition keep the driver’s eyes on the road the majority of the time.

This may be a concept car, but Hyundai decided to make it drivable as well. However, the drive train is more realistic than the styling or futuristic infotainment interface. Under the hood is the same 5.0-liter Tau V8 from the Genesis 5.0 R-Spec and Equus. It’s mated to an eight-speed, paddle-shifted automatic transmission.

To give the HCD-14 Genesis a sporty feel, Hyundai also gave it five-link front and rear suspension and performance tires. Electronic nannies include a yaw control system and multi-mode power steering.

The HCD-14 is just a concept car, but seeing as it shares its name with Hyundai’s current premium sedan, it seems likely that certain features will make it onto future production cars. The styling and infotainment system are the standouts, but whether they can make it to production undiluted is the big question. First, Hyundai should do something about that grille.

Read More

Cadillac unveils the ELR plug-in in Detroit

The technology has already been proven in the Chevy Volt, and the ELR’s luxury appointments should soften the blow of the high price of that technology.

The Cadillac Cimarron was possibly the lowest point in the entire 111 year history of Cadillac. Their decision to sloppily re badge a Chevy Cavalier and then double the price was the supreme example of everything that was wrong with the American automotive industry for years to come. Cadillac has, in recent years, done a much better job of distinguishing its brand from the rest of GM, but those of us who remember the Cimarron still got nervous when Cadillac announced it would be building a plug-in vehicle based on the Chevy Volt. The Convert concept, which the new plug-in was based on, looked promising, but it wasn’t until the debut of the ELR production model at the Detroit Auto Show that fears of a plug-in Cimarron could be laid to rest.

To start with, the ELR doesn't just have a different body, it has a different body style altogether; it’s a coupe, not a sedan. And although we certainly wouldn't call the Volt ugly, the ELR is definitely more attractive. The drive train is the same as the Volt’s, with an electric motor and battery pack that can carry the car for 35 miles on a single charge, and then there is a 1.4-liter range extender. With a 240V charger, the battery can be fully charged in about 4.5 hours. Cadillac hasn't set a price for the car yet, but with the huge void in the market between the $39,000 Volt and the $100,000+ plug-in vehicles like the Fisker Karma, the business case for a more luxurious and pricier car to slot in above the Volt is pretty clear. The ELR is a solid contender, and it’s not difficult to imagine that it could be one of the more popular plug-ins around.

Read More