Live from the Floor of the New York International Auto Show w. Brian Moody, Autotrader

The New York International Auto Show showcases the latest in the world of automotive. From the newest models to special editions, vehicles with the latest in safety and technology and even a sneak peek of what cars of the future will look like!

Executive Editor at Autotrader, Brian Moody gives an exclusive look at what you’ll find at this year’s show.




About Brian Moody, Executive Editor, Autotrader.com
Brian Moody is Executive Editor for Autotrader.com, delivering timely, straightforward, unbiased automotive information to the site’s 17.7 million in-market shoppers. Brian manages all of Autotrader’s editorial content, including new and used car reviews, comprehensive auto show coverage, video reviews and car shopping tips and daily automotive news stories.

Brian has been an automotive journalist for more than 15 years, reporting for local and national radio, television, print, and online outlets. Brian has contributed to such notable outlets as AOL Autos, Edmunds.com, Huffington Post, KHTK, KTLA, The Drive Radio Show, SPEED TV, Tech TV, and several Los Angeles area community newspapers before being named Executive Editor for Autotrader in 2011.

I want to thank KIA, for this interview opportunity! I also want to thank Brian Moody for taking out the time to share his automotive knowledge.

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Michelle Krebs, Autotrader and Rob Peterson, Buick Reveal the Hottest Trends and What Consumers Really Want

What do consumers really want when buying a new car? Is it the color, make or model? Or, is it all about the new technology?

Michelle Krebs, Senior Analyst, Autotrader and Rob Peterson, Brand Manager, Buick talk about what consumers really want in their vehicles at L.A. Auto Show.

Check out our interview below:



About the talent:
Michelle Krebs, Senior Analyst, Autotrader
A Detroit-based senior analyst for Autotrader and director of Automotive Relations for Cox Automotive. An award-winning automotive writer with nearly 35 years of experience covering and observing the global auto industry, Krebs has served as president of the Society of Automotive Analysts and is a current board member and past president of the Automotive Press Association.

Before joining Autotrader, Krebs was a senior auto analyst and editor for Edmunds.com. Previously, she ran a successful editorial services business where she was the first female car reviewer for The New York Times and the first woman to participate in the selection of Motor Trend's Car/Truck of the Year. She was also a reporter and editor for industry trade journal Automotive News and wrote for daily newspapers, including The Oakland Press in Pontiac, Mich.

Rob Peterson, Brand Manager, Buick
A Marketing Manager for Buick where he is responsible for the market positioning and continued sales growth Buick Crossovers and the upcoming launch of the Buick Cascada, the brand's first convertible in 25 years.  Peterson joined General Motors in 1998 and has subsequently held management positions in Chevrolet, Communications and Marketing.

I want to thank Buick and Autotrader for this interview opportunity! I also want to thank Michelle Krebs and Rob Peterson for taking out the time to talk about the L.A. Auto Show.

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MotorWeek's John Davis Discusses the Hottest Debuts and Unveilings at the L.A. Auto Show

The debuts at this year's L.A. Auto Show deliver production and concept vehicles representing the ever-growing performance, mid-size crossover, electric and high-technology categories. There were debuts that ranged from luxury SUVs and flagship sedans to new compact sedans.

John Davis reports on the latest new vehicle manufacturer debuts, unveilings and concept cars at the L.A. Auto Show.

Check out our interview below:




About the talent:
John H. Davis is the Emmy Award-winning host, executive producer, and creator of MotorWeek, television's longest running automotive series. John Davis is seen by millions of viewers on PBS, Velocity and V-me Spanish-language network. One of the most trusted and recognized automotive journalist in the nation, Davis has been featured on CNN, Weekend Today, Live with Regis and Kelly, PARADE magazine and The Baltimore Sun, as well as local media throughout the country. He has also written regularly on automotive industry topics for The Washington Post and is a frequent radio guest on WBAL-AM and 98Rock in Baltimore. Davis even helped Duff Goldman road test a delivery van on Food Network's Ace of Cakes.

More than three decades after its debut on public television in 1981, MotorWeek remains the leading the source of unbiased information on automotive safety, fuel efficiency and in-depth car and truck reviews. It is also celebrating its 35th season on television.

I want to thank Ford and Hyundai for this interview opportunity! I also want to thank John Davis for taking out the time to talk about the L.A. Auto Show.

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First Drive: 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid & Plug-In Hybrid

I have to start off by saying that I really enjoyed the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid! I had the opportunity to drive the 2016 Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid on the roads of beautiful Southern California. The Sonata Hybrid is offered in SE, Limited and Limited Ultimate trims. The Plug-in offers Base and Limited versions. The Sonata Hybrid Plug-in has an all-electric top speed of 75 mph and an EV range of approximately 24 miles.

Exterior
The seventh generation Sonata receives a series of functional changes to the front and rear fascia for the 2016 Hybrid. The exterior changes allow the Sonata Hybrid to achieve a coefficient of drag to 0.24. The only other vehicle in its class that has a 0.24 coefficient of drag is the Tesla Model S. The Hybrid receives a unique larger grille, front and rear bumpers, front fenders, front and rear lights, chrome side sill moldings, Hybrid badging, and new eco-spoke allow wheels.

Interior
The interior of the Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid is not as stylish as the exterior. Once inside of the vehicles I was able to find a comfortable seating position. The center stack has a clean design and everything is within reach from the driver's seat. The cabin features quality materials, and soft-touch surfaces, which is always a plus. The infotainment system is not complicated and easy to use. The Sonata Hybrid offers best-in-class cargo volume at 13.3 cu-ft. 60/40 split-folding rear seats are available thanks to the battery pack fitting under the truck floor.

Tech
There is no shortage of technology in the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid. Now available is Hyundai's hands-free smart trunk, electronic parking brake, driver memory seat, rear window sunshades, heated steering wheel, LED interior lights, ventilated front seats, power front seats with 4-way adjustable driver lumbar and smart cruise control. Two of my favorite features are the ventilated front seats and the smart cruise control. While driving the Plug-in Hybrid, I set the smart cruise control system and was extremely impressed for the 30-mile drive. This was my first time using this type of feature in a vehicle and now I wish my current car had it.

Safety
The 2016 model comes standard with seven airbags, including a new driver's, knew airbag. Also standard is Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control, ABS, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and a backup camera. Buyers can also get advanced safety technologies such as Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist and Lane Departure Warning System.

Charging (Plug-in Hybrid)
120-volt (Level 1): < 9 hours
240-volt (Level 2): < 3 hours

Under the Hood
The Hybrid is powered by a 2.0L Nu GDI 4-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai wanted a nature feeling transmission, so a CVT wasn't an option. The 2.0L engine produces 154 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor produces 51 hp (38kW) for a combined output of 193 hp. The Plug-in Hybrid uses the same 2.0L engine, but a stronger electric motor that produces 67 hp. The combined output for the Plug-in Hybrid is 202 hp.

Behind the Wheel
The first thing I did once I got in the Sonata Hybrid, I opened the panoramic sunroof. Once on the road, I was able to fully enjoy both models. Visibility out of the Sonata is quite good and the blind-spot system helped me out when I couldn't see vehicles on the side of me. The steering in the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid was surprisingly good and I really didn't have any complaints about how the vehicles handled.  I was really impressed with how comfortable and smooth the ride in the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid is. The performance was not the goal of the Sonata Hybrids, which are tuned for luxury. While on the highway, the cabin remains quiet with very little wind noise. While the Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in are not sport sedans, acceleration was smooth and refined. After driving the Hybrid for about 30 miles, I was able to achieve 35 mpg out of the Hybrid (while in Sport mode for the majority of the time). In the Plug-in, I was able to achieve 43 mpg while using Smart Cruise Control and going 75 mph.

Overall
My time spent in the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid was exciting and enjoyable. I like the Sonata Hybrid mainly because While my time in both vehicles were brief, I got a good sense of what Hyundai was looking to achieve. After driving both vehicles, I think that Hyundai has done a great job with the Sonata Hybrid siblings. Information on pricing is not available right now, but we will let you know once that information is released. The Sonata Hybrid goes on sale this summer nationwide, while the Plug-in Hybrid hits showrooms in California and Oregon this fall. The Plug-in will show up in other zero-emission vehicle states after. I look forward to getting the opportunity to spend more time in the Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid.

Disclaimer: Hyundai Motor America  provided The Green Light with hotel and travel accommodations to attend the media event.

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Live From The Floor Of The 2014 L.A. Auto Show

Live from the floor of the L.A. Auto Show, James Bell, Head of Consumer Affairs, General Motors. James talks about all the latest trends expected to come out of this year's show and gives us a sneak peek at what was revealed.

With over 16 years of experience, James Bell is a nationally recognized and authoritative resource within the automotive industry. During his tenure, James has diligently analyzed and effectively communicated automotive data and research to multiple constituencies, including the national and international media, automotive manufacturers, dealers, and the every-day shopper. His multifaceted experience has led to a unique perspective on the industry that easily crosses over the boundaries between the general consumer and passionate enthusiast.

Check out the interview below:


I want to thank General Motors for this interview opportunity! I also want to thank James Bell for taking out the time to discuss and answer my questions.

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Refreshed: 2013 Cadillac SRX

Cadillac has given the SRX a refresh for 2013. The 2013 Cadillac SRX will make its debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show. There are minor changes to the front and rear, while the interior is where most of the upgrades take place. The 2013 SRX now uses noise cancellation technology, new steering wheel & shift knob, and more color combination options. The major change is the use of Cadillac's CUE entertainment system which is standard on all trim levels.

The 2013 SRX will use a 3.6L V6 engine that produces 308 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power is sent to the front wheels or all 4 wheels. Fuel economy for the front wheel drive model is rated at 17/city and 24/hwy. All wheel drive models get 16/city and 23/hwy. The SRX will also have the option of Cadillac's new Driver Awareness and Driver Assist packages.

The SRX is Cadillac's best selling model and these changes will definitely keep this model at the top. 

2013 Chevy Traverse

The Chevy Traverse has been refreshed for the 2013 model year. The most notable changes are at the front of the CUV and inside the cabin. The Traverse will be offered in three trim levels: LS, LT, and LTZ.

The Traverse is still powered by a direct-injection 3.6L V6 engine which pushes out 288 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine will be mated to a revised 6-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is an option. Standard safety features include a rearview backup camera, ABS, head curtain airbags, and hill start assist.

I am really impressed with GM lately. I like the revised GMC Acadia, and I now like the revised Traverse. I think that the Traverse looks really good, it really stands out now. I am glad GM is done with those horrible interiors that was throughout all of the brands.

The 2013 Chevy Traverse will go on sale later this year.

What do you think of the revised Chevy Traverse?

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2013 Ford Explorer Sport

Ford will release a performance version of the Explorer later this year. The Explorer Sport will have a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine making 350 hp. This engine will be paired with a paddle-shifted 6-speed Select-Shift Automatic transmission. The Sport will come standard with 4-wheel drive featuring a Terrain Management System.

Explorer chief engineer, Bill Gubins stated "Adding an EcoBoost drivetrain to the Explorer Sport delivers even more fuel efficiency and performance to the line up." "This is our highest-performance, most capable Ford Explorer ever."

The chassis has been reworked to make the Explorer Sport stiffer and to improve its handling. The fuel economy of the Explorer Sport is rated at up to 16 mpg city and 22 highway.

The Explorer Sport will have tons of standard and optional technologies. Some standard and optional technologies include:
*Dual Zone Temperature Control
*SYNC with MyFord Touch
*10-way power driver's seat with power recline and lumbar
*Rear view camera

I have to say that I like how Ford is putting the name of the model on the hood of the vehicle!

What do you think of the Ford Explorer Sport?

Would you consider buying one?

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Refreshed: 2013 Nissan 370Z

The 2013 Nissan 370Z is making it's debut at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

The biggest changes to the 370Z take place in the front of the car. There are now vertical LED daytime running lamps, that are on the edge of the bumper. The base model coupe gets new 18in alloy rims. Sport Package models get new 19in alloy rims and red-painted brake calipers. Magma Red and Midnight Blue are two new exterior colors that will be offered.

Nissan decided not to make any changes under the hood. The 370Z will still be powered by a 3.7L DOHC V6 engine producing 332 horsepower. This engine can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or 7-speed automatic transmission.

The 2013 Nissan 370Z will go on sale in June.

2013 Nissan 370Z Video

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