2017 Lincoln Continental Nabs IIHS Award, Tesla Model S Falls Short

In its latest round of crash testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety examined six large cars and gave three of them a Top Safety Pick+ award.

The Lincoln Continental, Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan, and Toyota Avalon nabbed top honors from the agency. All three vehicles earned “Good” scores in all crash categories and “Superior” ratings in front crash prevention technology. Thanks to automatic braking, the three vehicles were able to avoid collisions at test speeds of 12 mph and 25 mph. The E-Class and Continental earned “Good” headlight scores with optional equipment, while the Avalon received an “Acceptable” score in this category.

The Tesla Model S and Chevrolet Impala fell short of earning an award from IIHS because they received “Acceptable” scores in the small overlap test. This evaluation replicates what happens when the front corner of a car hits a tree, pole, or another vehicle at 40 mph. In the Impala, the vehicle structure was well maintained, but the dummy’s head hit the front airbag and slid off the left side, leaving the head partially unprotected. Tesla’s problem, which the automaker said it had fixed in models built after January, lies with the seat belt. Despite the attempt at improvement, the seat belt still allowed the dummy’s torso to move too far forward, resulting in the head striking the steering wheel hard through the airbag. Both the Model S and Impala also have headlights rated “Poor.”

Similarly, the Ford Taurus received an “Acceptable” score in the small overlap test and a “Poor” headlight rating that prevented it from joining the Continental, E-Class, and Avalon. It also received a “Basic” rating in front crash prevention because it doesn’t have automatic braking technology. After running the small overlap test on the Taurus, IIHS concluded that a driver may injure the left lower leg in a real-world crash of the same severity.

Source: IIHS

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Hyundai Azera Discontinued in U.S. Amid Rise of Genesis Brand

The Hyundai Azera managed to fly under the radar for years, but no more. Hyundai announced it will stop selling the large sedan in the U.S., apparently because the model has been overshadowed by other cars in the lineup.

“Over the last few years…the Hyundai and Genesis line-ups have continued to increase the appeal of their models,” the automaker said in a recent release, pointing out the refreshed midsize Sonata as an example. It’s true the 2018 Sonata receives a more upscale interior and exterior helping it close the gap with more premium models like the Azera.

Hyundai also seems to blame Genesis for the Azera’s departure. “The Genesis brand continues to broaden the appeal of its mid-luxury G80 and premium luxury G90 models with attributes appealing to buyers holding the Azera on the periphery of purchase consideration,” the automaker said.

During the first half of the year, Hyundai sold 1,792 Azeras, down from 2,573 sold during the same time period in 2016. Meanwhile, Genesis sold 7,666 copies of the G80 and 2,253 copies of the G90 during the first half of this year.

The Azera competes in a waning segment that includes the Toyota Avalon, Chevrolet Impala, and Ford Taurus. While the Azera benefits from lots of standard features and plenty of interior space, it lacks in handling feel and driving personality. The 2017 model year will be the last for Hyundai’s conservative cruiser.

Source: Hyundai

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Fiat 500 Turns 60, Joins the Museum of Modern Art’s Car Collection

New York’s Museum of Modern Art added a 1968 Fiat 500F “Berlina” in original condition to its permanent collection. It will share precious gallery space with the museum’s 1959 Volkswagen, 1961 Jaguar E-Type, and 2002 Smart.

The 500 recently celebrated its 60th birthday with a special event at MoMA that honored its history, style, and design.

“While the Fiat 500 has unquestionably left its mark on automotive history, it is equally true that it has never been just a car,” said Olivier François, Fiat head and chief marketing officer, in a statement.

“In its 60 years of history, the 500 has transcended its material manifestation to enter the collective imagination and become an icon, which has now the honor of being certified by being acquired by MoMA in a tribute to its artistic and cultural value.”

Over 4 million 500s were made from 1957 to 1975, and Fiat claims that the F series holds the record for the number produced.

“The Fiat 500 is an icon of automotive history that fundamentally altered car design and production,” said Martino Stierli, architecture and design curator at MoMA, in a release.

“Adding this unpretentious masterpiece to our collection will allow us to broaden the story of automotive design as told by the Museum.”

The iconic and inexpensive two-door is affectionately referred to as the Cinquecento by dedicated fans. The relatively reliable F series was in production from 1965 through 1972.

The model acquired by MoMA packs a 500-cc engine that offers only 18 horsepower and has a top speed of 59 mph.

Fiat launched the new 500 in 2007, and today’s coupe and cabrio models share a 1.4-liter, 101-horsepower four-cylinder engine with 97 lb-ft of torque.

The 500 is also available as a high-performance Abarth model and a fully electric 500e version. If you need more space, there is also a larger and not as cute four-door 500X crossover and a 500L micro-van.

Buon anniversario Fiat!

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