You can think of LATINA
Style’s car, truck and SUV picks
in this issue as Grammy or Academy
Award nominations. With hundreds
of models to choose from, we try to
illuminate an interesting and important
selection of vehicles that we have
tested and find worthy of note. You’ll
find a cross-section of top contenders
that range from a compact crossover
and mid-sized pickup to a sportback
sports sedan and a large four-door
flagship that touts everyday-driving
elements and limousine traits to two
full-sized sport utility vehicles, one of
which struts high-performance as one
of its attributes. Which appeal to you?
After all, that’s what really matters!
High-Performance Cars
for Latinas to Drive
By Sue Mead
2018 Lexus LS 500
2018 Lexus LS 500
Lexus’s new 5-passenger flagship comes in base LS, earth-friendly hybrid
500h, and high-performance F-Sport, starting at approximately $75,000.
It debuts a strikingly-sleek and bold design with a coupe-like silhouette
and a well-appointed cabin; elegant finishes include laser-cut natural
wood, origami-like hand-pleated fabrics, and beautiful “Kiriko”-style cut-glass
patterns and nine interior color schemes.
Seating includes 28-way power-adjustable heated/cooled front seats
featuring pneumatic shiatsu-style massage; options for heating, recline,
and massage bring rear-seaters a concierge-level environment. Active
Noise Control quiets the cabin and next-generation Remote Touch Interface
(RTI) mimics smartphone operation with handwritten input. A 12.3-in.
navigation display can be upgraded with a 24-in. color heads-up display
that projects driving information on the windshield.
High-powered performance and excellent fuel efficiency combine with
new 3.5-liter turbocharged engine (416 hp. and 442 lb.-ft. of torque)
mated to a new 10-speed auto with paddles. Available in both rear and
AWD, it boasts acceleration from 0 to 60 mph of 4.6 seconds and a top
speed of 136 mph. The hybrid has a 295-hp. V6 paired with two electric
motor generators boosting output to 354 hp. and running to 60 mph in
5.1 seconds with more than 600-mile range. In addition to advanced
safety technologies, an Executive Package has heated rear seats with
Shiatsu massage, a raised Ottoman and an increased recline feature.
For more information visit: https://www.lexus.com/models/2018LS
2018 Kia Stinger
This all-new 5-passenger sportback starts at just over $30,000 and combines
Gran Turismo performance with a fastback silhouette and meticulous interior
craftsmanship. Available in both rear-and all-wheel drive, it comes in five
trims: Stinger, Premium, GT, GT1, and GT2. A 2.0-liter turbocharged
engine produces 255 hp. and 260 lb.-ft. of torque; the available 3.3-liter has
365 hp./ 376 lb.-ft. of torque and accelerates to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds;
both engines get an 8-speed auto transmission with shift paddles.
Of note is its elegance and athleticism, rather than boy-racer aggression,
as it can be driven quietly or with potent power and tantalizing sound. Premium
materials include a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, circular
spoked air vents, metallic accents, and hand-stitched ergonomic, contoured
bucket seats wrapped in lush Nappa leather and multi-colored LED ambient
lighting on some trims. Safety and technology includes a new driver attention
warning system to combat distracted or drowsy driving; forward collision
avoidance with pedestrian detection; smart cruise control; lane keeping;
and blind spot collision warning with rear cross-traffic collision warning
and an available height-adjustable color head-up display projects multiple
aspects of driving information on the windshield. Bluetooth hands-free
integration is standard.
Available is a premium 15-speaker Harman/Kardon surround sound
system. A generous cargo area holds full-sized luggage or golf bags and
power liftgate has Smart Trunk functionality.
For more information visit:
https://www.kia.com/us/en/vehicle/stinger/2018/overview
2018 Kia Stinger
8 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle Vol. 24, No. 1, 2018
/2018LS
/overview
/www.latinastyle.com