WORD ON THE STREET

Kia Telluride: A Big Leap Forward, Made in America

LARGE, bold, capable and comfortable, the midsize Telluride SUV opens the door to exploring in a whole new way. Imagined in America, designed at Kia’s design studio in California and assembled in Georgia, the Telluride is all about big skies, desert roads, mountain passes, shady forests, smooth highways and long coastal drives. The largest Kia ever, it provides comfortable seating for up to eight, a powerful 291hp, 3.8L V-6, available active on-demand all-wheel drive, and an inspiring view of the world. In short, the Telluride offers potential for exploration and adventure every time it’s on the road.

Telluride is the fi rst Kia designed specifi cally for the U.S. and is a product of the Kia Design Center in Irvine, California. From the fi rst pencil stroke, it was meant to convey the kind of presence associated with the original legendary SUVs—big, bold and boxy—and the go-anywhere, do-anything attitude their square, burly-shouldered shapes suggested. The Telluride’s sophisticated exterior accents also hint at its interior luxury, and it is engineered to be capable in a variety of driving conditions and provide a driving experience that is enjoyable and confi dence-inspiring.

Telluride will be assembled at Kia’s manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia, (KMMG) alongside certain trims of the Sorento and Optima. When it goes on sale this year (pricing will be announced near the on-sale date), Telluride will be available in four trims—LX, EX, S and SX—with a choice of front-wheel or optional all-wheel drive.

ST Thrills Continue with All-New Explorer ST

ONTINUING the expansion of the ST brand, the all-new Explorer ST is the most powerful and fun-to-drive Ford SUV ever.

Engineered by the Ford Performance team, Explorer ST uses a specially tuned 3.0L EcoBoost engine projected to achieve 400hp and 415 ft-lbs of torque. A top speed target for track drivers stands at 143 mph.

“We designed it to be an ST from the beginning,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Performance chief functional engineer. “There’s no mistaking its ST DNA. It has a performance feel with sustained performance capability and wears an unmistakably ST appearance. More than anything, it’s just a hell of a lot of fun to drive.”

Explorer ST delivers an engaging driving experience with a quick-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with selectable traction control. Available upgrades include an ST Street Pack and an ST Track Pack. Both have 21-inch aluminum wheels with differing levels of performance brakes and feature larger vented rotors, red-painted brake calipers with stainless steel pistons and larger brake pads for even better stopping power.

As with Edge ST, Explorer ST offers a Sport mode for an exhilarating ride. When engaged via the selectable drive mode dial in the center console, the steering system tightens for sportier reaction, the gas pedal responds more aggressively, gears hold longer and shift quicker, and an enhanced engine note plays through the cabin.

Visually, Explorer ST stands out courtesy of a black mesh grille insert, liftgate appliqué, lower bodyside details, roof-rack side rails and skid plate elements. “EXPLORER” badging stretches across the front edge of the hood.

Inside, a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster is standard. A flat-bottomed, heated steering wheel embossed with an ST logo and unique floor mats are subtle cues exclusive to Explorer ST. Leather sport bucket seats with micro-perforation, City Silver accent stitching and ST logo complete the sporty feel.

Explorer ST comes standard with a Class III Trailer Tow Package with Cargo Management System and Active Park Assist 2.0—Ford’s new driver-assist park`ng system that takes control of the steering wheel, gas pedal, brake pedal and gear shifter during parallel and perpendicular parking maneuvers with a simple touch of a button.

Air Suspension Design Book Is Here to Help!

IT’S finally here! After tons of writing and rewriting, the much-anticipated and very much needed “Air Suspension Design Book, Vol 1— Link Based Rear Suspension” by Max Fish is fi nally available for purchase! The book focuses on rear straight axle suspensions (forthcoming books will deal with IRS and IFS), and includes best design practices, theory and practical advice for successfully creating the perfect rear air suspension.

One of the major breakthroughs discussed in the book is Max’s development of something he calls the “spring-rate/force load ratio,” or SFR, which describes how a particular airbag will perform in a given application, and he has even created a handy SFR calculator to make it even easier. In fact, he has provided a bunch of useful air suspension calculators, which are available at www.airsuspensionbook.com/calculators/ for free! While there, be sure to pick up a copy of the Air Suspension Design Book! A quick reference guide (perfect for your toolbox!) is also available for an additional cost and has a ton of information is packed into it! Check it out at www.airsuspensionbook.com.