Tag: Akron

A Glimpse Of Next Generation GM Chevrolet Tahoe / Silverado

2014 Chevrolet Suburban Will Be Available at VanDevere Chevrolet in Akron Ohio

By  Steven J. Ewing
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/next-gen-gm-suvs-caught-wearing-new-boxy-bodies-w-video/

We recently drove the brand-new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and found it to be vastly improved compared to the outgoing model. And now that The General’s pickup trucks have been squared away, it’s time to focus our attention onto their passenger-friendly companions, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon (above).

Our spy photographers have passed along a huge smattering of photos (and a video), showing the new SUVs out testing. Both the short- and long-wheelbase models were spied, and while the overall shape of the vehicles hasn’t changed all that much, we expect the updates to be substantial. In addition to new powertrain options, like GM’s new small-block V8, we expect the interiors of both SUVs to get massive makeovers, providing better materials throughout their cabins and quieter, more refined environments. We even hear that some trick new suspension developments may be in store for upper-end models.

Visually, these spy shots allow us to see a couple of new details on the SUVs’ front and rear fascias, including LED running lamps on the Yukon and some interesting LED taillamp treatments. Of course, the obvious third party missing from this set of photos is the Cadillac Escalade, but as we reported earlier, GM is working to further differentiate the ‘Slade from the rest of the fullsize SUV lineup, and is working to make the new model “much less ostentatious.”

It’s Back: The 2014 Kia Sedona Minivan

2014 Kia Sedona Available at VanDevere Kia in Akron Ohio

 

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/2014-kia-sedona-rises-from-the-dead-same-as-it-ever-was/
By  Steven J. Ewing
 

Don’t throw away your car seats just yet, Korean minivan enthusiasts – the Kia Sedona is back on the market. If you recall, Kia killed its minivan offering at the end of 2012 (there was never a 2013 model). But here’s what’s making us scratch our heads: Despite the fact that Kia did confirm that the Sedona would eventually be back, we were under the impression that it would return with a proper replacement for the aging van. (Earlier reports suggested something along the lines of that cool KV7 concept.) Instead, the reincarnated Korean minivan you see here is, well, the same as it ever was. Consider our buzz killed.

That’s not to say there haven’t been a couple of delightfully refreshed bits thrown into the new package. For starters, the Sedona wears a slightly updated schnoz with a redesigned grille, LED positioning lamps and standard foglamps inside the reworked lower fascia. (If we’re honest, the Kia looks a bit Ford Windstar-ish from the front three-quarter angle.) There’s a new 17-inch wheel design for the 2014 model year, and aside from a couple enhancements to the interior in terms of storage, that short list rounds out the full extent of the new updates.

All Sedonas are powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 that debuted in the 2011 model, producing 269 horsepower and 246 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy ratings fall in at a rather mediocre 17/24 miles per gallon (city/highway).

Pricing starts at $25,900 for the base LX model with 16-inch wheels and a cloth interior, while upmarket EX vans with leather and 17-inch wheels command $30,900 – both prices exclude $850 for destination. That’s sort of a bargain, considering that the segment-leading Honda Odyssey will run you something like $45,000 when fully decked out.