Mercedes-Benz SLC Coming This Spring

The new Mercedes-Benz SLC, previously known as the SLK, comes in the SLC300 with a 241 horsepower 2.0-liter in-line 4 engine accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and the AMG SLC43 with a 362 horsepower 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and has standard DYNAMIC SELECT which modifies the engine, transmission, steering and suspension with a choice of “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport+”, “Eco” and “Individual” modes. On the SLC300, drivers can choose the Dynamic Handling package, which features an adaptive damping system and ESP® Dynamic Cornering Assist, and can also use DYNAMIC SELECT to specify the damping force in Comfort, Sport and Sport+ mode. The new Mercedes-Benz  SLC will launch in the Spring of 2016.

2017 Acura NSX Starts At $157,800 On Feb. 25, 2016

The 2017 Acura NSX will have an MSRP of $157,800 (including $1,800 destination charge) in the U.S. and will top out at $207,500 when equipped with all available factory features and options. Customers will be able to design their NSX by selecting one of eight exterior colors, four interior color schemes available in three different seating surface options and features including three wheel designs with painted or polished finish, carbon-ceramic brake options, a carbon fiber interior sport package, carbon fiber roof, and more. Customer order taking for the new NSX will begin on Feb. 25, 2016 at authorized NSX retailers, together with the launch of a vehicle configurator on Acura.com which will be the first engagement point for customers interested in ordering an NSX. Once customers have customized their NSX online, they can schedule an appointment with an authorized retailer to finalize the order.

2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Video: Nissan Titan XD

Michael Arbuckle, Marketing Manager for Nissan Titan XD discusses the new pickup truck coming this month. 

The 2016 Nissan TITAN XD, offered in S, SV, SL, Platinum Reserve and PRO-4X trim levels, will go after Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500 truck buyers with standard off-road features such as 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with all-terrain off-road tires, Bilstein off-road shock absorbers, electronic locking rear differential and skid plates. Three powertrain offerings include a 310 horsepower Cummins® 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel with 555 lb-ft of torque mated to a heavy-duty 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission. Following the launch of the 2016 TITAN XD Crew Cab this month, the new TITAN will be offered in three cab configurations and two frame sizes.

The all-new 2016 Nissan TITAN XD full-size pickup has been named one of three finalists for the 2016 North American Truck/Utility of the Year to be announced next month in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show. The TITAN XD was recently named "Truck of Texas" by the Texas Auto Writers Association in their annual 2015 Texas Truck Rodeo.

2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Video: Hyundai

Michael Evanoff, Manager, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America discusses 2017 Hyundai Elantra and more at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.

2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Video: Alfa Romeo

Jason Francis, Head of Alfa Romeo Product and Operations North America discusses the all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.

2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Video: MINI

Patrick Mckenna, ‎Manager, Marketing Communications and Consumer Events at BMW of North America discusses the new MINI. 

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid LT Coming This Spring Starting At $28,645

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid LT, with an all-new Ecotec 1.8L hybrid optimized direct-injected engine mated with a two-motor electric drive unit, uses a slightly modified drive unit and electric motors used in the 2016 Chevrolet Volt. The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid will get a GM-estimated 48 mpg city, 45 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined when it goes on sale this Spring with a starting price of $28,645. The 2016 Malibu Hybrid with 10 airbags also offers Lane Keep Assist, Front Pedestrian Braking and Low Speed Front Automatic Braking for safety.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Hi-Tech Dash

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class all-new control and display aims to closely unite intuitiveness of use with functionally with a clearer menu structure and attractive design. It features a wide high-resolution dual 12.3 inch display and touch-sensitive control buttons on the steering wheel to operate the entire infotainment system using finger swipes without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. The new E-Class can also be controlled by direct buttons, such as for controlling the air-conditioning system or for simple activation/deactivation of certain driver assistance systems. Animated displays are used to show the mode of action of assistance systems, or of DYNAMIC SELECT. ECO display in the instrument cluster helps the driver to adopt an economical driving style in an easily understandable manner.

All-New Volvo S90 Luxury Flagship Sedan

The all-new Volvo S90 luxury sedan is powered by a choice of the four-cylinder, 2.0 liter turbocharged and supercharged T6 engine, the turbocharged T5 variant or the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid. The Volvo S90, like the all-new Volvo XC90 SUV, introduces semi-autonomous features that take another step toward Volvo’s Vision 2020, which states "that no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo by the year 2020, through world first safety technologies and highly advanced semi-autonomous features."

November 2015 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors’ Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands sold 229,296 vehicles in the United States in November 2015, up 1.5 percent year over year while year-to-date sales of 2,792,136 is a 4.9 percent increase.

Ford Motor Company November U.S. sales totaled 187,794 vehicles, up 0.4 percent compared to a year ago. Through November, overall Ford sales are 2,373,920, up 5 percent versus the same period a year ago.

Toyota Motor Sales reported November 2015 sales of 189,517, up 3.4 percent versus last year. Toyota Division posted November 2015 sales of 160,177, up 2.8 percent while Lexus sold 29,340, up 6.8 percent from November 2015. Year-to-date sales of 2,260,963, up 4.1 percent.

FCA US (Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported its best November sales since 2000 of 175,974, a 3 percent increase compared with November 2014. Year-to-date sales of 2,026,380 is a 6.8 percent gain over 2014.

American Honda Motor reported November sales of 115,441 Honda and Acura vehicles, a decrease of 5.2 percent versus a record-setting November 2014. Honda Division sold 103,197 and Acura sales totaled 12,244. Year-to-date sales of 1,435,658, up 2.3 percent.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for November 2015 of 107,083, an increase of 3.8 percent over the prior year and a November record. Year-to-date sales of 1,345,618 is up 6 percent from a yea ago.

Hyundai Motor America posted its best November ever, with sales of 60,007, up 12 percent compared with one year ago. Year-to-date sales of 698,202 is up 5.6 percent from 2014.

Kia Motors America had best-ever November sales of 45,553 vehicles, a 1.4 percent increase over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 571,577 is up 6.9 percent.

Subaru of America reported 46,070 vehicle sales for November 2015, a 2 percent increase over November 2014. Subaru reported year-to-date sales of 526,401 vehicles, a 14 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported November sales of 33,475, a decrease of 11.7 percent from the same month last year. Year-to-date sales of 341,543 is a 4 percent increase over 2014.

Sales of BMW brand sales of 32,003 vehicles was an increase 3.2 percent in November versus November 2014. Year-to-date, BMW brand is up 4.4 percent from the same period last year with sales of 311,398 vehicles.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 23,882 in November, down 24.7 percent from a year ago while year-to-date sales of 318,484 is a 4.3 percent drop from a year ago. Separately, Audi of America reported November 2015 sales increased of 16,700 vehicles, a 0.4 percent rise over last year. Year-to-date sales of 181,803, is up 11.7 percent from 2014.        

Mazda North American Operations reported November U.S. sales of 22,732 vehicles, representing an increase of 7 percent versus last year. Year-to-date, Mazda has sold 289,890 vehicles, a 3.2 percent increase compared with last year.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported November 2015 U.S. sales. Sales for both brands hit 7,604, a 55 percent increase from November 2014.  Land Rover sales were 6,539, up 79 percent from November 2014; Jaguar sales were 1,065, down 15 percent from November 2014. Year to date in 2015, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales hit 75,410, an increase of 26 percent over 2014.

Volvo Cars sold 6,903 vehicles in November in the U.S., a 90.5 percent increase over 2014. Year-to-date sales of 60,706 is an 18 percent gain over a year ago.

Mitsubishi Motors North America had November 2015 sales of 6,722, an increase of 3.6 percent from November 2014. Year-to-date sales are 87,455, up 23 percent over the same period in 2014.

Porsche Cars North America announced November 2015 sales of 4,450 vehicles. Year-to-date sales of 47,820 vehicles, a  9.3 percent rise, exceeds the 2014 record of 47,007 sold.

Volvo Concept 26 - A Preview of Autonomous Driving

Volvo Concept 26 is an interior design concept and innovation platform for autonomous driving vehicles built around a patented new seat design that cradles the driver at all times and through the transformation between the different modes. Together with a tablet interface in the center console, a foldable tray table and a 25-inch flat-screen monitor that flips up from the passenger side dashboard, Concept 26 provides three interior modes: Drive, Create and Relax. Create mode allows for a variety of configurations of the seat, table and screens enabling the driver to complete a range of activities, such as reading, working on your next big project, or consuming media and other online content while the car takes care of the driving. Relax mode transforms the seat into a comfortable reclining position. The vehicle can also curate and suggest content to the driver via the passenger dashboard mounted screen. Volvo Cars is working with several partners in creating the best space for consuming media, interacting with devices or relaxing.

Infiniti QX30 Coming This Summer

The Infiniti QX30 premium active crossover, shown as a concept in Geneva in March, is powered by a 208 horsepower 2.0 liter turbo 4-cylinder engine paired to 7-speed DCT transmission, and is equipped with an all-wheel drive system, able to send up to 50 percent of the engine’s power and torque to the rear axle to maintain traction on slippery surfaces and in inclement weather. The Infiniti QX30 will go on sale in selected markets in the middle of 2016 with pricing closer to the sale date.

2017 Lincoln MKZ Goes On Sale This Summer

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ powered by an all-wheel-drive system with a twin-turbocharged 400 horsepower 3.0-liter GTDI V6 engine which, in front-wheel drive models, is limited to 350 horsepower or a 245-horsepower hybrid 2.0-liter GTDI four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive.

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ has available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality that automatically can slow the car, resuming higher speeds when traffic clears and can activate the brakes automatically to bring the car to a complete stop if the driver fails to apply brakes in time. An auto hold feature keeps the car at a complete stop without the driver having to press and hold the brake pedal. Available enhanced park assist uses ultrasonic sensors to help Lincoln MKZ seamlessly steer itself into a parallel or perpendicular parking spot. The car can assist with park-out as needed. Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection is an available technology that can help avoid some frontal crashes or lessen the severity of such events.

The new Lincoln MKZ goes on sale in summer 2016.

2017 Porsche 911 Targa 4S Starts At $122,600

The 2017 Porsche 911 Targa 4S has 420 horsepower 3.0 liter six-cylinder twin-turbo engine mated to either a 7-speed manual transmission which starts at $122,600 or a PDK with Sport Chrono starting at $125,800.

2017 Buick LaCrosse Coming Early This Summer

The all-new 2017 Buick LaCrosse is longer, lower, wider and about 300 pounds lighter than the current model, and powered by a 305 horsepower 3.6L V-6 engine paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The LaCrosse goes on sale in early summer 2016,

2017 Hyundai Elantra Coming In January

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra, just under an inch longer and an inch wider than its predecessor, off ers the 147 horsepower 2.0-liter Nu MPI Atkinson four-cylinder engine on the base SE and Limited trim and is paired with either a standard six-speed manual transmission (available only on the SE trim) or Elantra's next generation six-speed automatic transmission for an anticipated 29 city / 38 highway / 33 combined mpg (internal estimate for 6-A/T). The second powertrain is an all-new 128 horsepower 1.4-liter Kappa turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine mated to an EcoShift seven-speed dual-clutch transmission equipped on the Elantra Eco trim, available in Spring 2016 and projected to achieve an estimated 35 mpg combined rating based on internal testing. Available options include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist, and a rearview camera.The 2017 Elantra will arrive at Hyundai dealers in January.

Scion C-HR Concept

The Scion C-HR Concept, named for its Compact size and High Ride height, is an eye-catching stand-out at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Subaru Impreza Sedan Concept

The Subaru Impreza Sedan Concept is the first example of Subaru's next-generation vehicles using a new modular platform.

Mazda CX-9 Coming This Spring

The all-new Mazda CX-9 three-row midsized crossover SUV features the new 2.5-liter direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine, SKYACTIV-G 2.5T producing 250 horsepower on 93-octane gasoline and 227 horsepower on 87-octane gasoline. CX-9 is scheduled to go on sale in Spring of 2016 in the U.S.

2016 Honda Civic Coupe Coming In March

The 2016 Honda Civic Coupe, the second in a series of new 10th-generation Civic models, will launch with a new 158 horsepower 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC™ engine with anticipated EPA fuel-economy ratings of 31/41/35 mpg (city/highway/combined) for models equipped with CVT. This engine can also be equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission on the lowest trim. Civic Coupe mid to highest trims are powered by a new 174 horsepower 1.5-liter DOHC direct-injected TURBO with anticipated EPA ratings of 31/42/35 mpg. The wheelbase is 2.9 inches longer and the body is 1.9 inches wider and the front overhang is 1.4 inches shorter. The 2016 Civic Coupe launches in March.

2017 Kia Sportage Is Longer and Goes On Sale Next Year

The all-new 2017 Kia Sportage offered in front or all-wheel-drive has a 181 horsepower 2.4-liter engine on the LX and EX models and a 241 horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four turbo on the SX Turbo mated to a a six-speed Sportmatic transmission. The wheelbase has been stretched 1.2 inches to 105.1 inches, while overall length has increased 1.6 inches to 176.4 inches and the width remains 73.0 inches, compared to its predecessor. The Sportage goes on sale next year with pricing to be announced closer to the Sportage’s on-sale date.

2016 Nissan Sentra Goes On Sale Next Month

The 2016 Nissan Sentra, Nissan’s third best-selling vehicle behind Altima and Rogue, offered in S 6MT, S Xtronic, FE+ S, SV, SR and SL trim levels, has a 130 horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to an Xtronic transmission with sub-planetary gear. A 6-speed manual transmission is also available with the Sentra S grade. Significantly revised, the Sentra has new front and rear fascias, grille, fenders, hood, signature boomerang-shaped headlights and taillights and a new 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design. It is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in late December starting price of $16,780.

Mercedes-Benz SL550 Coming In The Spring

The new Mercedes-Benz SL will offer the SL450 with a V6 engine uprated to 362 horsepower (additional 34 hp) and the SL550 with the 449 horsepower V8 engine. The new Mercedes-Benz SL launches in the U.S. in the spring of 2016.

2017 Fiat 124 Spider Coming Next Summer

The all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider is rear wheel drive powered by a 160 horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission and is available in Classica and Lusso trim levels. The all-new Fiat 124 Spider will arrive in FIAT studios in North America in summer 2016.

2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Coming Next Year

The all-new 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio rear-wheel-drive sedan built in Italy has a 505-horsepower 2.9-liter bi-turbo V-6 engine. Production for North America begins late in the second-quarter of 2016 with a starting MSRP of around $70,000. Following the launch of the all-new 2017 Giulia Quadrifoglio, Alfa Romeo will introduce the full-line of Giulia models that will include an an all-aluminum 276 horsepower 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder turbo engine on the entry-level model that will start around $40,000. Giulia will also offer an all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring.

2017 Ford Escape With Two New Eco-Boost Engines

The 2017 Ford Escape SUV offers a new 245 horsepower twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost and a 180 horsepower aluminum-block, twin-cam 1.5-liter EcoBoost with integrated exhaust manifold engine choices, and the 2.5-liter i-VCT four-cylinder engine carries over as standard equipment for the Escape S series. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard across the line, with new paddle-shift technology available for Escape SE and Titanium. Available SYNC® Connect allows users to unlock doors, check fuel level and even locate where a vehicle is parked. Escape customers can continue to select from S, SE and Titanium trim levels, as well as a new Sport Appearance Package available for SE and Titanium.

2017 Acura NSX Arrives After 4 Years Of Development

The new 2017 Acura NSX, made of aluminum and composite exterior body panels with an optional carbon fiber roof panel, has a new hybrid power bespoke, 573 horsepower mid-mounted twin-turbocharged, 75-degree 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine with dry sump lubrication, mated to an all-new 9-speed dual clutch transmission and Direct-Drive Motor. The front Twin Motor Unit driving the front wheels is part of the Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system. When accelerating, the system provides instantaneous torque via its three electric motors, the rear direct drive motor and front Twin Motor Unit. Top speed is 191 miles per hour. Construction of the NSX will take place at the new Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio.

Hyundai G90 To Launch As EQ900 In Korea Next Month

The Hyundai G90 luxury sedan, launching next month as the EQ900 in Korea, the new Genesis brand’s flagship model, is the first of six new - G - for Genesis models coming by 2020.

2016 Audi Q7 Coming Early Next Year

The all-new, second generation Audi Q7, powered by a 333 horsepower 3.0 TFSI quattro® engine mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic® transmission, comes in Premium starting at $55,750, Premium Plus starting at $59,750 and Prestige starting at $65,250 (including destination charge of $950). The exterior dimensions have remained similar to the outgoing model while it offers more interior room for passengers with seating for up to seven standard. Available Audi virtual cockpit features a large, 12.3-inch display that delivers at 60 frames per second with NVIDIA® quad core processing power.

The Q7 has a lot of safety features including standard Audi pre sense city that detects cornering and stationary vehicles as well as pedestrians, at speeds of up to 52 mph and initiates full braking when a potential collision is detected. Vehicle exit assist has a side assist warning light which blinks and notifies the driver when vehicles or cyclists are approaching from behind as the vehicle doors are opened. The all-new Audi Q7 goes on sale at the beginning of 2016.

2016 Audi S8 plus Starts At $115,825 Next Month

The 2016 Audi S8 plus, the latest variant of the A8 flagship sedan, with a 605 horsepower 4.0 TFSI engine mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic® transmission, an increase of 85 horsepower compared to the outgoing S8, starts at $115,825 (including destination charges of $925). The S8 plus accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds to a top track speed of 155 mph. The optional Dynamic package includes high performance ceramic brakes, a carbon rear lip spoiler, a modified sport exhaust system and an increased top speed limiter, which increases the sedan’s top speed to 190 mph. The optional Black optic exterior package includes carbon fiber mirror housings, a black Singleframe® grill and window surrounds, a carbon front blade and diffusor trim and darkened taillights. The 2016 Audi S8 plus will go on sale next month.

2016 Audi RS 7 performance On Sale Next Month For $129,925

The all-new 2016 Audi RS 7 performance with a 605 horsepower 4.0 TFSI engine mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic® transmission with a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.6 seconds reaching a top track speed of 190 mph starts at $129,925 (including destination charges of $925). The RS 7 performance is differentiated from the standard 560 horsepower RS 7 with carbon ceramic brakes and RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control along with a redesigned bumper with rear diffuser insert and sport exhaust black tailpipes, carbon mirror housings and the gloss black RS Singleframe grille. New RS 7 performance exclusive 21” cast aluminum wheels come standard. The interior of the RS 7 performance comes standard with RS sports seats, with the option for black Valcona leather and Alcantara with blue contrast stitching and carbon twill blue inlays. The RS 7 performance will go on sale next month.

2017 Audi R8 Offering More Horsepower Coming This Spring

The 2017 Audi R8 is powered by either a 540 horsepower  5.2L V10 engine, an increase of 15 horsepower from the previous R8 model, or a 610 horsepower R8 V10 Plus, an increase of 60 horsepower over its predecessor. The Audi R8 and R8 LMS racecar were co-developed and share approximately 50 percent of the same parts, including the V10 engine. The 2017 R8 will be on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show Nov. 20 - 29 and goes on sale in the Spring of 2016.

2017 Cadillac Crossover Touring 5 - XT5 - Coming Late Spring 2016

2017 Cadillac Crossover Touring 5 (XT5), 278 pounds lighter than the current SRX, will be powered by the new 310 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine in the U.S. market mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Precision Shift, an electronically controlled transmission shifter, and features Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology, which allows the engine to seamlessly and automatically switch to a fuel-saving 4-cylinder mode under low or moderate loads. Rear-seat legroom is increased 3.2 inches in the XT5, compared to the SRX. There's an optional new advanced “twin clutch” all-wheel drive system. Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen, who as President of Infiniti decided to give all their vehicles the "Q" designation is giving Cadillac crossovers the "XT" nomenclature. XT5 production begins in the U.S. and China in Spring 2016.

2016 Honda Civic Sedan Starts At $19,520

The 2016 Honda Civic Sedan, the 10th generation, completely new-from-the-ground-up with a 1.2-inch-longer wheelbase yet 68 pounds lighter than before, starts at $19,520 (including $880 destination charge) for the LX trim, $150 more than the outgoing model. It features a new 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter i-VTEC™ engine in the LX and EX trims, while Civic EX-T, EX-L and new line-topping Touring models are powered by a 174-horspower 1.5-liter DOHC TURBO engine. EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2016 Civic Sedan are 31/41/35 mpg(city/highway/combined) for 2.0-liter models with continuously variable transmission and 31/42/35 mpg for 1.5-liter TURBO models with CVT. New standard equipment includes automatic climate control, auto-up/down front-power windows, an electronic parking brake with Brake Hold and Walk-Away auto door locks. The Honda Sensing™ option includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Lane Keeping Assist and Road Departure Warning, and adds, for the first time, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible Coming In Mid-2016

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible, with a fully-automated roof that stows in 18 seconds, and can be raised in 21 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph, is powered by 240 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible, shown as a concept at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show, goes on sale from mid-2016 in more than 170 markets worldwide.

2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Starts at $29,270

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, the eighth Toyota hybrid model, comes in XLE and Limited premium grades, powered by a 194 system horsepower system that combines output from a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and a small high-torque electric motor with an Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive System as standard. A second, independent electric motor drives the rear wheels when needed to help maintain optimal traction. The 2016 RAV4 Hybrid goes from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds with expected EPA ratings are 34 mpg city / 31 mpg highway / 33 mpg combined. The 2016 RAV4 Hybrid XLE starts at $29,270 and the Limited at $34,510 (including $900 Delivery, Processing, and Handling fee).

Hyundai Plans Six New Vehicles By 2020 For New Genesis Brand

Hyundai Motor has announced an all-new global luxury brand, Genesis, which means "new beginnings" and will carry the new wing-type emblem (above), redesigned from the version used on the current Genesis model. Rumored for sometime after the introduction of Hyundai's premium luxury Genesis and Equus vehicles, Genesis will be a stand-alone brand that operates alongside the Hyundai marque with plans to launch six new Genesis models by 2020 to compete with the world’s most renowned luxury car brands. Hyundai says the brand's ‘human-centered’ luxury will have "a complete focus on customers who want smart ownership experiences that save time and effort, with practical innovations that enhance satisfaction", according to Hyundai Motor Company Vice Chairman Euisun Chung. The Genesis brand will adopt a new alphanumeric naming structure. Future models will be named by combining the letter ‘G’ for Genesis with a number, 90, 80 or 70 etc., representing the segment. Hyundai Motor has created a Prestige Design Division to differentiate the new Genesis brand vehicles.

2016 Nissan LEAF Coming Soon With New Longer Range Battery

The 2016 Nissan LEAF, on sale soon, has a new a 30 kWh battery that provides an EPA-rated range of 107 miles, a 27 percent increase over the previous 24 kWh battery, and starts at $27,550 (including $850 Destination and Handling) after the federal tax credit of $7,500 for the SV model and $30,140 for LEAF SL after the federal tax credit. LEAF S models continue to be equipped with a 24 kWh battery with an EPA-rated range of 84 miles and its starting price remains at $22,360 after the federal tax incentive. The battery in LEAF SV and SL can be quick-charged to 80 percent (from the low battery charge warning) in about 30 minutes, providing about 22 percent more miles of range compared to a 30-minute quick charge on previous LEAF models. Charging on a normal home charging system (Level 2, 240V) is estimated to take about six hours.

The 2016 model year adds standard NissanConnect with Mobile Apps with 5.0-inch color display for LEAF S models. LEAF SV and SL grades add NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps, featuring a 7.0-inch color display with multi-touch control and Nissan Voice Recognition.

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS Coming In Late March

The new 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS seven passenger SUV is powered by a 362 horsepower 3.0-liter V6 bi-turbo engine in the GLS450 4MATIC, a 449 horsepower V8 bi-turbo engine in the GLS550 4MATIC, and a 577 horsepower powerplant in the Mercedes-AMG GLS63. The GLS350d 4MATIC offers 255 horsepower V6 diesel engine. All versions mated to the nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard, except the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 which gets the revised AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission. With DYNAMIC SELECT, the new GLS provides COMFORT, SLIPPERY and SPORT transmission modes, in addition to INDIVIDUAL or an OFF-ROAD mode.

Standard driver assistance systems include COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, Crosswind Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST. Other systems available as standard on the GLS include: PRE-SAFE® system, Brake Assist BAS, electronic all- wheel drive traction system 4ETS, ESP®, and cruise control. The optional Driver Assistance Package has systems including DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Speed Limit Assist. The GLS will be available to order from December, with deliveries in in the US market from late-March 2016.

2016 Cadillac Touring 6 Sedan Starts At $54,490 In March

The 2016 Cadillac Touring 6 sedan offers an all-new 400 horsepower Cadillac 3.0L Twin Turbo V-6 engine, an all-new 335-horsepower 3.6L V-6 and a 265 horsepower 2.0T four-cylinder engine all engines paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions. The CT6 2.0L Turbo starts at $54,490, the CT6 3.6L V6 with AWD starts at $56,490 and the CT6 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 with AWD starting at $65,390 (including $995 destination fees). The highest level 2016 Cadillac CT6 Platinum model starting at $84,460. The CT6 features active-on-demand all-wheel drive, active rear steering and Magnetic Ride Control on the available Active Chassis System and new technology includes Rear Camera Mirror, Enhanced Night Vision technology and a 34-speaker Bose® Panaray® audio system. Shipments to dealers begin in March.

October 2015 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors’ Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands sold 262,993 vehicles in the United States in October 2015, up 15.9 percent from a year ago, with Chevrolet posting its best October sales since 2004. Year-to-date total GM sales of 2,562,840 is 5.3 percent higher than the first ten months of last year.

Ford Motor Company U.S. sales totaled 213,938 vehicles last month, up 13.4 percent from a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 2,186,126 is a 5.4 percent increase over 2014.

Toyota U.S. October sales of 204,045 is a 13 percent increase over October 2014. Year-to-date sales of 2,071,446, up 4.9 percent. Toyota Division October sales of 177,609 is up 13 percent and Lexus sales of 273,881 is up 12.2 percent from October last year.

FCA US  (Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported U.S. sales of 195,545 last month, a 15 percent increase compared with sales in October 2014 for the company’s best October sales since 2001. Year-to-date sales of 1,850,406 is a 7 percent gain over last year.

American Honda reported record-breaking October sales of 131,651 Honda and Acura vehicles, an increase of 8.6 percent. Honda Division sales rose to an October record of 115,572, up 9.3 percent. Acura sales were 16,079, a rise of 4.2 percent. Year-to-date American Honda sales of 1,320,217 is up 3 percent over 2014.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for October 2015 of 116,047, an increase of 12.5 percent over the prior year. Year-to-date sales of 1,238,535 is a 6.2 percent increase over the first ten months of 2014.

Hyundai Motor America posted its best October ever, with sales of 60,005, up 19.8 percent compared with October 2014. Year-to-date sales are 638,195, a 5 percent rise over last year.

Kia Motors America announced best-ever October sales of 50,044 vehicles, a 12 percent increase over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 526,024 is 7.4 percent higher than a year ago.

Subaru of America reported record sales for October 2015 totaling 51,629 vehicles, a 20 percent increase over the previous October record set in 2014. Year-to-date sales of 480,331 vehicles is a 14.8 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

Volkswagen of America reported October sales of 30,387, a 0.24 percent increase over October 2014. Year-to-date sales of 294,602, a 2.2 percent drop from last year. Separately, Audi reported  October 2015 sales of 17,700, an increase of 16.8 percent. Year-to-date Audi sales of 165,103 is a 13 percent increase over last year.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported October sales of 33,526 vehicles, a decrease of 6.6 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW Group sales are up 5.4 percent from the same period last year with 328,456 vehicles sold. Sales of BMW brand vehicles decreased 3.8 percent in October for a total of 29,439 compared to 30,602 vehicles sold in October, 2014. Year-to-date, BMW brand is up 4.6 percent from the same period last year with sales of 279,395 vehicles.

Mazda North American Operations reported October U.S. sales of 25,451 vehicles, representing an increase of 35.4 percent versus last year. Year-to-date, Mazda has sold 267,158 vehicles, up 2.9 percent.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported October 2015 U.S. sales for both brands of 8,187, a 76 percent increase from October 2014.  Land Rover sales reached 7,199, up 98 percent from  October 2014 while Jaguar sales were 998, down 2 percent from October 2014. Year-to-date Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales hit 67,806, an increase of 23 percent over 2014.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported October 2015 sales of 7,426, an increase of 19.8 percent from October 2014. Year-to-date sales are up 25 percent over the same period in 2014.

Mazda North American Operations reported October U.S. sales of 25,451 vehicles, representing an increase of 35.4 percent versus last year. Year-to-date, Mazda has sold 267,158 vehicles, up 2.9 percent.

Volvo Cars in the United States reported 7,422 retail sales in October. Year-to-date U.S. of 53,803 sales in the US, up 12.5 per cent.

Porsche Cars North America announced October 2015 sales of 4,070 vehicles, up 11 percent over October 2014.  This is the strongest October sales month in PCNA history. Year-to-date sales of 43,370 is 11.1 percent higher than a year ago.


Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Kia's SEMA A1A Optima

Kia's SEMA A1A Optima a convertible spin of the all-new 2016 Optima with a 245-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, takes inspiration from the iconic Florida A1A highway with its shortened windshield and room for four.  Reinforced steel tubes have been discretely hidden within the body so that the vehicle retains a rigid structure. The back doors of the A1A Optima swing open on rear-mounted hinges.

Crooks & Castles Scion iM 5-door Hatchback For SEMA

The Crooks & Castles Scion iM 5-door hatchback created by the clothing company is one entry for the 11th Annual SEMA Scion Tuner Challenge in Las Vegas. They received a Scion iM and a $15,000 build budget to put a unique spin on the car. Crooks & Castles features a black and white scheme, with an all-white leather wrapped rollcage and black rewrapped race seats for the interior. The car was finished off with custom white mesh wheels, mirroring the theme of his existing fleet of customized cars.

2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0 Starts At $30,305

The 2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0, a black and camel themed 1,000 vehicle offering with a 200 horsepower 2.0L DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder with Dual Variable Valve Timing rear wheel drive flat boxer engine, will come with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management® technology. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price will be $30,305 for the manual transmission and $31,405 for the automatic transmission (including the $795 delivery, processing and handling fee).

Lexus LF-FC Concept

The Lexus LF-FC all-wheel-drive flagship concept powered by a high output hydrogen fuel cell power system that energizes the rear wheels and also sends power to two in-wheel motors in the front, is an advanced human machine interface that can be operated by simple hand gestures, without the need to touch a panel or controls. A small holographic image on the center console indicates where the system can interpret your hand gestures to control the audio system and ventilation.

2017 Porsche Macan GTS Coming In March For $67,200

The new Porsche Macan GTS, powered by a 360 horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine mated to a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission is combined with Porsche's Traction Management system that actuates an electro-hydraulic, multi-plate clutch to variably engage the front axle depending on traction needs. The Macan GTS accelerates to 60 mph in as little as 4.8 seconds in conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package and up to a top track speed of 159 mph. The 2017 Macan GTS goes on sale in March 2016, and is priced between the Macan S and Macan Turbo with a base MSRP of $67,200 excluding a destination change.

Nissan IDS Concept - A Self Driving EV

The Nissan IDS Concept, fitted with a high-capacity 60 kWh battery into a full-carbon-fiber body, represents the future of autonomous driving and zero emission EVs by integrating advanced vehicle control and safety technologies with artificial intelligence. The Nissan IDS Concept has Piloted Park that can be operated by a smartphone or tablet, coupled with wireless charging technologies that leave parking and charging to the car. Nissan says, by 202X, expect to see Nissan Intelligent Driving technology deployed on cars in cities around the world.

New MINI Convertible Is Larger Than Previous Model

The new MINI Convertible, larger than its predecessor model, is powered by a 136 horsepower 3-cylinder gas engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology in the MINI Cooper Convertible, a192 horsepower 4-cylinder gas engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology in the MINI Cooper S Convertible and a 116 horsepower 3-cylinder diesel engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology in the MINI Cooper D Convertible. The opening and closing of the soft top and side windows takes 18 seconds and can be done at speeds of up to 18 mph.

Mazda RX-VISION Sports Car Concept Brings Back The Rotary Engine

The Mazda RX-VISION front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car concept is powered by the next-generation rotary engine that has been named SKYACTIV-R. Mazda commercialized the rotary engine in the Cosmo Sport (known as Mazda 110S overseas) in 1967.

Audi A8 L 4.0T Sport Starts At $91,425

The Audi A8 L 4.0T Sport model powered by a 450 horsepower 4.0T twin turbo V8 engine is 15 horsepower more than the previous 4.0T model. Its sport style exterior has a completely new lower bumper and a reshaped rear bumper, more prominent side rocker panels and less chrome accents. The Audi A8 L 4.0T Sport has an MSRP of $91,425 (including destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges).

Aston Martin Rapide S Electric Concept

Aston Martin Rapide S fully electric concept developed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering at its facility in Grove, Oxfordshire.

2016 Volkswagen Passat Starts At $22,440

The new 2016 Volkswagen Passat midsize sedan built in Chattanooga, Tennessee starts at $22,440 for the 1.8T S model with a 170 horsepower 1.8-liter TSI® turbocharged and direct-injection four cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. For the first time, Volkswagen is offering an R-Line version of the Passat for the U.S. market with pricing starting at $23,975. The SE starts at $26,280, the SE w/Technology starts at $28,410, and the 1.8T SEL starts at $30,495. At the top of the 1.8T range, the SEL Premium starts at $34,270. The V6 SEL Premium, which features the 280 horsepower 3.6-liter VR6 engine has a starting MSRP of $36,835.