Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Honda Prelude Nameplate Returns Late Next Year

The all-new hybrid-electric Honda Prelude sports coupe will be introduced to the U.S. market late next year, returning the nameplate to the brand in its 6th generation. This year Honda began selling the Honda Prologue, the brand’s first all-electric SUV. And late next year, Honda will begin production of the first EVs based on the new Honda-developed EV platform at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio.

2025 Toyota bZ4X BEV Starts At $38,465 In Early 2025

The battery-electric 2025 Toyota bZ4X with an EPA-estimated range rating of 252 miles on the XLE FWD model will cost up-to $6,000 less and adds a new Nightshade edition with standard All Wheel Drive. For 2025, the MSRP starts at $38,465 (including $1,395 DPH fee) on the XLE FWD grade, $40,545 on the XLE AWD grade and the Limited grades starts at $43,195 (FWD), a price reduction of $5,380. The XLE AWD equipped models range is 228 miles and the Limited grade has an EPA-estimated range rating of up to 236 miles on the FWD model; the Limited and Nightshade AWD models have an EPA-estimated range of up to 222 miles. The bZ4X is 3.7 inches longer than the RAV4, at 184.6 inches, with a 6.3-inch longer wheelbase at 112.2 inches. The 2025 bZ4X is expected to start arriving at Toyota dealerships nationwide in early 2025.

2025 Toyota 4Runner Starts At $42,220 In January

The 6th generation 2025 Toyota 4Runner, available in SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off–Road, TRD Off–Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trim levels, is powered by a 278 horsepower i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo with an EPA-estimated 26 MPG highway on the SR5, TRD Sport, and TRD Sport Premium grades, and available on TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium and Limited. There's an available i-FORCE MAX hybrid that produces up to 326 horsepower. 4Runner is available in 2-Wheel, part-time 4-Wheel and Full-time 4-Wheel Drive. All i-FORCE MAX grades come standard with 4-Wheel Drive and the Limited and Platinum grades have Full-time 4-Wheel Drive with an electronic locking center differential offering a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 lbs. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner will hit dealerships in January of 2025 with a starting MSRP of $42,220 (including $1,450 for Delivery Processing and Handling fee). 

Monday, December 9, 2024

2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata Starts At 30,515

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata, offered in  Sport 6MT,  Club 6MT,  Grand Touring 6MT,  Grand Touring 6AT trims, is powered by a 181 horsepower Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission and MX-5 Miata Grand Touring is offered in either a manual transmission or an available six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. A 35th Anniversary edition model will also be available for 2025 featuring a bespoke Artisan Red exterior color and tan nappa leather interior.  i-Activsense safety features  include Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Smart Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning and Secondary Collision Reduction. The MX-5 Miata Sport 6MT starts at $30,515 (including $1,185 for destination and handling). 

2025 Subaru WRX Starts At $36,920 Early Next Year

The 2025 Subaru WRX, available in Premium, Limited, GT, and tS trim levels, is powered by a 271 horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER® engine and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all trim levels, except the GT. The Subaru Performance Transmission is available in Premium and Limited trim levels and is standard on the GT. The  tS has electronically controlled adjustable dampers tuned by Subaru Tecnica International, uprated Brembo® brakes and 19-inch alloy wheels in satin gray finish paired with Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires. The WRX is equipped with an 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia Plus system with high-resolution touchscreen for audio, vehicle, and climate controls. All Subaru WRX models are equipped with Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology and DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System. The 2025 Subaru WRX will arrive at retailers in early 2025 with a starting price of $36,920 (including $1,170 destination and delivery charges).

Monday, November 25, 2024

Test Drive: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited

Toyota launched the Grand Highlander for the 2024 model year. Richard Saxton test drives the Hybrid Limited trim level powered by a 245 total horsepower 2.5-liter Hybrid drivetrain with standard electronic on-demand All Wheel Drive. The Grand Highlander has a 3,500 lb. towing capacity on the Hybrid grades. Standard on the Grand Highlander is a 12.3-inch touchscreen displaying Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system. For 2025 the Grand Highlander is offered in five grades across three different powertrains – the LE, XLE, Hybrid Nightshade, Limited, and Platinum. XLE, Limited, Hybrid Nightshade, and Platinum models are expected to start arriving at Toyota dealerships in late December of 2024. LE models are expected in the first half of 2025.  

Click to watch review.

Sunday, November 24, 2024

2024 LA Auto Show Video: 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Arriving Soon

The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T (starting at $61,590 including $1,995 destination) and the Charger Daytona Scat Pack (starting at $75,185) are the first all-electric vehicles from the Dodge brand, and qualify for a full $7,500 federal tax credit when leased. 


Richard Saxton discusses the muscle cars with Kevin Hellman, Senior Vice President of the Dodge/SRT Brand of Stellantis at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona models arrive at dealerships soon.

LA Auto Show: 2025 Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani Collector’s Edition

The new 2025 Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani Collector’s Edition, driven by an electric motor with an output of 117 horsepower and a range of up to 149 miles, features a 42-kWh battery with a Level 2 (11 kW) charge time of 4.5 hours. Equipped with an 85-kW fast charger system that in five minutes of charging time delivers a range of up to 31 miles. The 2025 Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani Collector’s Edition will be available in the first quarter of 2025. Pricing will be announced at a later date. 

LA Auto Show: 2025 Subaru Forester Arrives Early Next Year

The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness SUV based on the previous-generation model, with 9.2 inches of ground clearance and 3,000-lb. towing capacity, is powered by a 182 horsepower 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine paired with a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission. A SUBARU STARLINK® 6.5-inch Multimedia system with a high-resolution touchscreen, Apple CarPlay® and Android™ Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth® hands-free streaming connectivity is standard. MSRP is $36,415 (including  $1,420 destination and delivery). The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness is assembled alongside the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester in Gunma, Japan. The Forester Wilderness will arrive at Subaru retailers in early 2025.

LA Auto Show: 2025 Kia EV6 Arrives First Half Next Year

The 2025 Kia EV6 will be available in Light (RWD only), Light Long Range (RWD or e-AWD), Wind (RWD or e-AWD), GT-Line (RWD or e-AWD), and GT (e-AWD) trims. For 2025, the EV6 introduces the standard 63.0 kWh battery paired with a rear motor producing 167 horsepower. The available 84.0 kWh battery has a targeted to all-electric range of 319 miles in Light LR, Wind, and GT-Line trims with the RWD configuration. This setup comes with a rear motor making 225 horsepower. The more powerful AWD option combines dual motors to deliver 320 horsepower, while the EV6 GT makes 601 horsepower. With standard GT mode activated it goes up to 641 horsepower. It’s expected to go on sale in the first half of next year.  

LA Auto Show: 2026 Kia Sportage Coming 2Q Next Year

The 2026 Kia Sportage compact SUV, gets updated with new dual 12.3-in. panoramic displays with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on all trims and an available new 10-in. Head-up Display. The Sportage ICE (internal combustion engines) lineup includes the LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, and X-Pro Prestige trims. The base engine is a 187 horsepower 2.5-liter I-4 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the hybrid delivers 231 horsepower from a 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection and 47.7kW motor, the plug-in hybrid has 268 horsepower from the 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection and a 72kW motor with a 6-speed automatic transmission. There's a new Terrain mode (Snow, Mud, Sand) on X-Line, X-Pro Prestige, and all AWD trims. The 2026 Sportage is expected to arrive in Kia showrooms in Q2 of next year and pricing will be announced closer to its on-sale date.

LA Auto Show: 2026 Kia EV9 GT

The 2026 Kia EV9 GT three-row SUV is propelled up front by a 160-kW motor and at the rear a 270-kW motor combining to deliver an estimated 501 horsepower. The EV9 GT maintains the 7.8-inches of ground clearance and the 5,000-lb. towing capacity5 found on select EV9 trims. Pricing will be announced closer to the EV9 GT’s on-sale date. Assembled in South Korea, the EV9 GT is expected to arrive in the latter half of 2025.

Friday, November 22, 2024

2024 LA Auto Show Video: Hyundai Ioniq 9 All-Electric 3-Row SUV

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 three-row, all-electric SUV that can accommodate up to seven occupants has the longest wheelbase of any Hyundai model and offers second-row Swiveling Seats allowing the second- and third-row occupants to face each other when the vehicle is stationary. The PE system’s high-voltage, floor-mounted NCM lithium-ion battery offers 110.3 kWh of system energy and is expected to achieve a WLTP-estimated all-electric range of 384 miles km and WLTP-targeted energy consumption of 194 Wh/km for the Long-Range RWD model with 19-inch wheels due to its low drag coefficient, platform and battery technologies. IONIQ 9 charges from 10 to 80 percent in just 24 minutes using a 350 kW charger. The Long-Range RWD model is powered by a 160 kW rear motor, the Long-Range AWD alternative features an additional 70 kW front motor, while the Performance AWD models has 160 kW motors at both the front and rear. IONIQ 9’s infotainment system includes a 12-inch cluster and a 12-inch integrated monitor as part of the panoramic curved display. North American models have a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. IONIQ 9 goes on sale in Korea and the United States in the first half of 2025 with rollout planned for Europe and other markets later.

Richard Saxton discusses the new Ioniq 9 with Ricky Lao, Director of Product Planning at Hyundai Motor America. 

Click to watch interview.

2024 LA Auto Show Video: All-New 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan


The all-new 2025 Tiguan, Volkswagen’s best-selling nameplate in the U.S., was introduced in Los Angeles. Under the hood is a 201 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, more powerful than the previous 184 horsepower powerplant. Richard Saxton discusses the new Tiguan at the Los Angeles Auto Show with Petar Danilovic, Senior Vice-President, Product Marketing and Strategy, Volkswagen of America. The Tiguan is offered exclusively in a two-row configuration for the North American region.

Click to watch interview.


Wednesday, November 20, 2024

All-New 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Debuts In Los Angeles

The all-new 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan, weighing around 170 pounds less than the outgoing model, is powered by a 201 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The third generation Tiguan has a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system and a new central infotainment system with a 12.9-inch display. The 2025 Tiguan will have IQ.DRIVE® Level 2 driver assistance features which includes Travel Assist, Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring), Active Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control Stop and Go, Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System) and Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency). Light Assist, Park Distance Control, and Exit Warning are now standard, and Park Assist Plus is available. Availability and pricing of the all-new 2025 Tiguan will be announced closer to launch. 

2026 Genesis GV70 Coming First Half of 2025

The newly redesigned 2026 Genesis GV70 offers a 300 horsepower 2.5L inline 4 turbo gasoline engine and a 375 horsepower 3.5L V6 twin turbo gasoline engine. The Electrified GV70 is equipped with a larger 84kWh high-capacity battery that will offer more range. The all-new 27-inch OLED display integrates the cluster and infotainment system into a single expansive horizontal layout. New for the 2026 model year is Terrain Mode, which allows drivers to drive in the optimized mode – snow, mud or sand – depending on road conditions. The newly redesigned GV70 and Electrified GV70 will arrive at North American retailers in the first half of 2025. 

All-New 2025 Nissan Armada Starts At 58,415 In December

The all-new 2025 Nissan Armada powered by a new 425 horsepower twin-turbo, direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a standard 9-speed automatic transmission with a standard towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. Drive modes are Standard, Eco, Sport, Tow, Snow, Sand, Rock, and Mud/Rut to suit different terrains. The new Armada starts at $58,415 (including $1,895 destination and handling) and goes on sale in December.

2025 Lexus RZ EV Starts At $43,975 Later This Year

The 2025 Lexus RZ is adding entry-level grades to the RZ 300e and RZ 450e AWD. The RZ 300e is powered by a 72.8kWh lithium-ion battery and offered only with FWD with a total system rating of 201 horsepower and an EPA-estimated range rating of 266 miles. The RZ 450e’s 71.4 kWh battery has a 308 total system horsepower rating and an EPA-estimated range rating of 220 miles. The RZ is offered RZ 300e, RZ 450e AWD, RZ 300e Premium, RZ 450e Premium and RZ 300e Luxury, RZ 450e AWD Luxury. A standard 14-inch high-definition touchscreen provides easy-to-use controls. The 2025 RZ has a starting price of $43,975 (including DPH), is built at the Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, Japan, and goes on sale later this year.

2025 Lexus TX Starts At $56,490

The 2025 Lexus TX three row SUV, offered with a 275 horsepower 2.4L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder on the TX350, a 366 total system horsepower 2.4L turbocharged hybrid on the TX500h, and a 404 total system horsepower 3.5L V6 plug-in hybrid on the TX550h+, adds the F SPORT Handling grade, available only on TX 350 AWD. With the addition of F SPORT Handling, the TX is now offered in Standard, Premium, Luxury, F SPORT Handling, F SPORT Performance Premium, and F SPORT Performance Luxury grades. For a full breakdown of the standard and available features by grade, please see the TX Specifications. All three powertrains can tow up to 5,000 pounds and, for 2025, all TX models come standard with a 12.3-inch multi-information display. The 2025 Lexus TX has a staring MSRP of $56,490 (including DPH).

Friday, November 15, 2024

2025 Dodge Durango Offered In 3 Models

The 2025 Dodge Durango, with  GT, R/T and SRT Hellcat models, is powered a 295 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine in the Durango GT,  by a 360 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine in the Durango R/T, the supercharged 710 horsepower 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat V-8 engine in SRT Hellcat. The Durango lineup features a 10.1-inch touchscreen powered by the Uconnect 5 infotainment system and offers three-row SUV flexibility with 50 seating configurations, 85.1 maximum cubic feet of cargo space and maximum towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds.

2025 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 Starts At $106,150 This Fall

 

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 is powered by a Handcrafted AMG 416 horsepower 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine and features an electric exhaust gas turbocharger technology derived from Formula 1™. The GT 43 is rear-wheel drive and standard AMG sport. suspension. Arriving at U.S. dealerships this Fall, starting from $106,150 (including $1,150 destination and delivery charge).

2025 Acura ADX Starting At Mid-$30,000 Early Next Year

The 2025 Acura ADX, an all-new premium compact SUV measuring 185.8 inches long, is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter VTEC engine mated to a sport-tuned continuously variable transmission. The new ADX has a standard 10.2-inch Acura Precision Cockpit™ digital instrument display and a 9-inch color touchscreen with a physical volume knob, a hard button to return to the Home screen, and a finger rest at the bottom of the touchscreen. Available on all grades, an advanced all-wheel drive system can send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. The new ADX will begin arriving at Acura dealers in early 2025 with a price range starting in the mid-$30,000s.

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

2026 Honda Passport Coming Early Next Year In The Mid-$40,000s


The all-new 2026 Honda Passport and Passport TrailSport, on a 2.75-inch longer wheelbase, is powered by a 285 horsepower DOHC 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with the model's first 10-speed automatic transmission and the second generation of the Honda torque vectoring i-VTM4™ all-wheel drive system. The new Passport has improved rear seat legroom, increased cargo space and more standard tech than ever before, including a 10.2-inch digital driver instrumentation display, and a 54% larger touchscreen (12.3-inch) plus Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ compatibility all standard. The 2026 Passport will begin arriving at dealers early next year with a starting price in the mid-$40,000s.

2025 Porsche Taycan Models Coming In 1st Quarter 2025

The 2025 Porsche Taycan has with 13 models including three body variants, all-wheel and rear-wheel drive, Porsche E-Performance motors ranging from 402 to 1,019 horsepower, and the new 690 horsepower Taycan GTS sports sedan and Taycan GTS Sport Turismo. The Taycan 4 sports sedan starts at an MSRP $105,295 (including $1,995 delivery, processing and handling fee). The new Taycan GTS starts at an MSRP of $149,895 for the sedan and $151,795 for the Taycan GTS Sport Turismo. These three variants complete the Taycan portfolio and can now be ordered, with availability at dealerships set to start in late Q1 of 2025. 

2026 Cadillac VISTIQ EV Starts At $78,790

The 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ, a luxury three-row SUV with a standard dual motor all-wheel drive system has a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack and offers 615 horsepower offering 300 miles of range. VISTIQ includes a 23-speaker AKG7 Studio Audio system with Dolby Atmos®. VISTIQ will be sold globally, including in the U.S. and Canada, with production starting in early 2025 at General Motors’ Spring Hill Manufacturing plant in Tennessee. MSRP starts at $78,790 (including destination freight charge).

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Starts At $43,975 By Year End

The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range with its new, larger 63-kWh battery pack has a 168-horsepower rear motor and provides 245 miles of range for a price of $43,975 (including $1,475 destination). The IONIQ 5 Long Range RWD delivering 318 miles of EPA-estimated driving range from its larger 84-kWh battery pack starts at $48,025. The range-topping Limited AWD trim is priced at $58,100 and now features 269 miles of EPA-estimated range, plus a full slate of new safety and convenience features. The 2025 IONIQ 5 will arrive at dealerships by the end of the year.

2025 Ford Bronco Coming This Winter

The 2025 Ford Bronco, powered by a 300 horsepower in-line four cylinder 2.3L EcoBoost engine mated to a 7 speed manual transmission, gets a new 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster, rear climate vents on four-door models, and additional sound insulation for a quieter cabin. A new 12-speaker B&O audio system replaces the previous 10-speaker setup and includes upgraded speakers, a new subwoofer, and a higher-output amplifier. The Bronco Base trim returns after a one-year hiatus and the Black Diamond trim becomes a package for the Big Bend. Order banks are open, with deliveries set to begin this Winter.

2025 Kia Niro EV Starts At $40,975

The 2025 Kia Niro EV all-electric crossover is equipped with a 64.8 kWh battery delivering an EPA-estimated 253 miles of range. The Wind has a larger 10.25-inch instrument cluster and rotary dial transmission controller. Rear seatbelt pre-tensioners are now standard on both trims, with the Wave trim receiving Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist and Rear with Parallel Exit as an additional Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. The Niro EV Wind starts at $40,975 (including $1,375 destination) and the Niro EV Wave at $45,975. 

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID Starts At $89,150 This Fall

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID is powered by a 443 horsepower AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine and a 161 horsepower permanently excited synchronous electric motor for a combined system output of 577 horsepower (604 horsepower with optional RACE START) delivering a 42-mile all-electric range, according to EPA certification. The new performance hybrid arrives at U.S. dealerships this Fall, starting from $89,150 (including a $1,150 destination and delivery charge).

2025 Porsche 911 Carrera T Starts At $139,995 Next Summer

The 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera T uses the same 388 horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo boxer engine as the standard Carrera, and is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels. It comes standard with an auto-blip feature that rev-matches the engine to the appropriate transmission speed which can be manually disabled, and is part of the Sport Chrono package, which is standard equipment on the Carrera T. The GT Sport steering wheel gives access to Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Wet drive modes. The 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera T and 911 Carrera T Cabriolet can be ordered now and is expected to begin arriving in U.S. Porsche Centers next summer. The MSRP for the coupe will be $135,995 (including $1,995 delivery, processing and handling fee) and the Cabriolet will be$149,295 respectively.

2025 Subaru Impreza Starts At $24,665 Soon


The 2025 Subaru Impreza, offered in Base, Sport, and RS trim levels, exclusively as a 5-door hatchback, is powered by a 152 horsepower 2.0-liter, direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine with the Impreza RS getting a 182 horsepower 2.5-liter BOXER® engine, both mated a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission). Subaru Impreza Sport and RS feature steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters with 8-speed manual mode to allow drivers to shift among eight preset ratios. The 2025 Subaru Impreza standard equipment, includes EyeSight® Driver Assistance Technology, steering responsive LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and a combination meter with 4.2-inch LCD. Dual 7.0-inch SUBARU STARLINK® touchscreens for infotainment are standard. The 2025 Subaru Impreza will begin arriving at retailers later this year starting at $24,665 (including $1,170 destination and delivery).

2025 Audi RS Q8 performance Starting At $137,495 Before Year End

The new 2025 Audi RS Q8 performance 5-passenger SUV, powered by a 631 horsepower 4.0L V8 twin-turbo V8 engine, has standard all-wheel steering with high-torque electric spindle drive, that when changing lanes quickly, the rear wheels can turn up to 1.5 degrees in the same direction of the front wheels. At lower speeds, the rear wheels can turn up to five degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels, reducing the turning radius and making the SUV easier to maneuver in tight spots. The new 2025 Audi RS Q8 performance has a starting MSRP of $137,495 (including $1,295 destination charge) and is available now for ordering at your local Audi retailer. First deliveries are expected before the end of the year.

Thursday, October 24, 2024

MINI John Cooper Works Starts At $39,195 In January

The all-new MINI John Cooper Works 2 Door and MINI John Cooper Works Convertible (pictured)  is powered by a 228 horsepower 2.0 liter four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine paired with a dual clutch automatic transmission. For the US market the MINI John Cooper Works 2 Door will have a base MSRP of $39,195 (including $995 destination and handling). The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible will have a base MSRP of $44,695 with a start of production in November. Both models are expected to arrive at US dealers in early January of 2025.

2025 Kia EV9 Starts At $56,225

The 2025 Kia EV9 three-row EV SUV starts at $56,225 (including $1,325 destination) for the 215 horsepower EV9 Light SR that has 230 mile all-electric range. The 201 horsepower Light Long Range model, which now has a front sunroof as standard, delivers a 304 mile range and starts at $61,225.

2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E® Starts At $38,390 In Early 2025

The 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E® adds a heat pump to help optimize energy consumption, especially in colder weather conditions, and enhanced BlueCruise hands-free highway driving adds Automatic Lane Change, automating up to 45% of lane changes on an average drive, based on internal testing. The new Ford Connectivity Package includes Wi-Fi® Hotspot for up to 10 personal devices and can extend up to 50 feet from the vehicle. The 2025 Mustang Mach-E goes on sale in early 2025 with a starting price of $38,390 (including $1,895 destination and delivery charges). The 2024 model, offered Select, Premium, GT and Mustang Mach-E® Rally trim levels, has a standard range of 250 miles which goes up to a 320 mile EPA-estimated range for the Premium Model with RWD and Extended Range Battery.

2025 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Starts At $38,290 Now

The 2025 Jeep® Grand Cherokee, in its fifth generation, powered by a 293 horsepower 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 6,200 lb. towing capacity, starts at $38,290 (including $1,795 destination fee) for the entry level Laredo A 4X2 trim level. The 2025 Jeep® Grand Cherokee is offered in Laredo A, Laredo, Laredo X, Altitude and Altitude X two-row models and the three-row Grand Cherokee L. The plug-in hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, rated at 56 MPGe and 25 miles of all-electric range, starts at $62,285 and is the only Grand Cherokee model to be offered in the Trailhawk 4xe trim. The lineup is now available at dealerships nationwide. 

Sunday, October 20, 2024

2025 Nissan Murano Coming In Early 2025

The 2025 Nissan Murano is powered by a 241 horsepower 2.0-liter VC-Turbo (Variable-Compression Turbo) powertrain paired with 9-speed automatic transmission that features paddle shifters. Idle stop start is standard. Tow capacity is rated up to 1,500 pounds. Murano SV is offered with front-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, while SL and Platinum grades feature standard AWD. Dual 12.3-inch displays are standard with the center touchscreen offering entertainment, information and more and the left-hand display serves as the vehicle’s instrument cluster and has multiple configurable display modes. The all-new 2025 Murano is the latest Nissan model to adopt the seamless connectivity of Google built-in. Included on SL and Platinum grades Google Maps, Google Assistant and the Play Store are in the dashboard. Rear occupants have available rear door sunshades, heated rear seats, more knee room in the second row due to a thinner front seat design and 0.8-inch increased couple distance. The rear seats adopt the Nissan Zero Gravity design helping provide a more supportive posture for occupants. The rear doors now open wider than the previous generation Murano to ease ingress or load a child safety seat. The all-new 2025 Nissan Murano goes on sale in early 2025. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Starts At $40,775 Next Year

The 2nd-generation BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, 0.7 inches longer and one inch higher on the same 105.1 inch wheelbase, is powered by a 241 horsepower 2-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine mated to the latest generation of the 7-speed DCT with fully electric actuation and a widened gear ratio spread in the 228 xDrive Gran Coupe. The M235 xDrive Gran Coupe is powered by a 312 horsepower 2.0-liter engine paired with a 7-speed Steptronic Dual Clutch Transmission with standard shift paddles on the steering wheel. The standard BMW Curved Display has a 10.25-inch Information Display and a Control Display with a screen diagonal of 10.7 inches. The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe now includes BMW Live Cockpit Plus with the cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps. BMW Live Cockpit Professional is available in combination with the BMW Head-Up Display and Parking Assistant Plus in the optional Technology Package, which also includes Augmented View on the Control Display and the Drive Recorder. A 12-speaker Harmon/Kardon premium sound system is newly standard, as is Comfort Access keyless entry, wireless device charging, and auto dimming interior and exterior mirrors. BMW Digital Key Plus enables the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe to be unlocked and locked via smartphone or smartwatch using security-optimized ultra-wideband wireless technology, making a conventional key fob unnecessary. BMW Digital Key Plus can be set up via the My BMW App for suitable smartphones and smart watches with the iOS or Android operating systems and Apple Watch. The standard Active Driving Assistant includes features such as Frontal Collision Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assistant, Active Blind Spot Detection, and Speed Limit Info. The 228 xDrive Gran Coupe will start at $42,775 (including $1,175 destination and handling), and the high-performance M235 xDrive Gran Coupe will start at $50,675. Coming in mid-2025, the two-wheel drive, 241 horsepower 228 sDrive Gran Coupe will start at just $40,775. Production of the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe will begin at BMW’s plant in Leipzig in the fourth quarter of 2024. The market launch is set to start in March 2025.

GMC Sierra EV Denali Starts At $91,995 Now

The GMC Sierra EV Denali all-electric pickup has 760 horsepower from 2 motors (1 front @ 1 rear electric drive unit) in both an Extended Range version delivering a GM-estimated range of 390 miles and the available Max Range version with 460 miles of range. The MultiPro MidGate™ expandable bed offers room for hauling items nearly 11 feet in length, while still leaving room for a rear-seat passenger. The available maximum towing capacity is 10,500 pounds. The 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali is arriving at dealers now with the Extended Range starting at an MSRP of $91,995 and the Max Range starting at an MSRP of $100,495 (both including $2,095 DFC).

Monday, October 14, 2024

Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron Coming In 2025

The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron, powered by two electric motors positioned on the front and rear axles, is expected to achieve an EPA estimated range similar to that of the Q6 e-tron quattro, at around 300 miles. Actual EPA-estimated range will be released closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date. The Q6 has 422 horsepower (Nominal) and 456 horsepower (Peak) while the SQ6 delivers 483 horsepower (Nominal) and 509 horsepower (Peak). The towing capacity is up to 4,400 lb. The Dual motor, 100kWh-battery models will be available at launch with a top fixed speed of 130 mph. The 800-volt electrical system with DC fast-charging provided at a rate of 270 kW takes the high-voltage battery around 21 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent under ideal conditions. Full U.S. performance and efficiency figures will be released closer to the U.S. on-sale date in Spring/Summer 2025.

Friday, October 11, 2024

Cybercab and Robovan In Tesla's Self-Driving Future

Tesla has unveiled prototypes of its self-driving Cybercab and 20 passenger Robovan at an event on the Warner Bros. Studios lot in Burbank. The Cybercab could be in production by 2027 and bought for about $30,000, according to Elon Musk.



2025 Nissan Pathfinder Starts At $38,460 Now

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is powered by a 284 horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic with manual shift mode paddle shifters, electronic shift-by-wire drive selector. The 2025 Pathfinder provides flexibility for the whole family with three rows of seats and seating for eight, or seven with optional second-row Captain's Chairs. The EZ FLEX® second-row seats feature Nissan's LATCH AND GLIDE® technology, allowing them to tip and slide even while a child safety seat is installed for convenient access to the third row. The towing rating of 3,500 pounds is for the S, SV, SL trim levels or 6,000 pounds for the Rock Creek, Platinum and optional on SV and SL. The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is on sale now starting at $38,460 (including $1,390 destination and handling).

2025 Subaru Crosstrek Starts At $27,115 Later This Year

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek compact SUV is powered by a 152 horsepower 2.0-liter direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine in the Base trim while Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels have a 182 horsepower 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine with a manual mode with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and eight preset transmission ratios and mated to a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission). All Crosstrek trim levels are equipped with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control, and at least 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Dual 7.0-inch SUBARU STARLINK® touchscreens for infotainment are standard with the top screen controls smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity; AM/FM stereo, Rear Vision Camera; SiriusXM® Radio and Travel Link; and HD Radio®. The bottom touchscreen provides controls for climate and vehicle settings. Crosstrek Wilderness with upgraded suspension, has 9.3-inch ground clearance and 3,500-lb. towing capacity. All models will begin arriving at Subaru retailers later this year starting at $27,115 (including $1,420 destination and delivery.

2025 Volkswagen Taos Starts At $26,420

The 2025 Volkswagen Taos, refreshed with a new look, upgraded technology, is now powered by a 174 horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged engine up from 158 horsepower in the previous model. The all-wheel-drive model now has an eight-speed conventional automatic transmission in place of the previous DSG dual-clutch automatic. The 2025 Taos features VW’s suite of IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance features across all trims. This includes Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance); Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring); Active Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go; Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System); and Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency). Taos models will start at $26,420 (including $1,425 destination fee) for the S front-wheel drive model and $28,120 for the S 4Motion all-wheel-drive model. 

Thursday, October 10, 2024

2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV Coming At Year End

The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV will offer a 510 horsepower WT (Work Truck) trim starting at $57,095 (including $2,095 DFC), a 645 horsepower LT (available on the Silverado EV for the first time) starting at $75,195 and a 760 horsepower RST model starting at $89,395. Power comes from a Dual Motor 4WD drivetrain comprised of 2 motors (1 front & 1 rear electric drive unit). On a full charge the WT Max Range gets EPA-estimated range of 492 miles, the WT Extended Range 422 miles, the LT 408 miles, LT with Premium Package 390 miles, RST 2SP 390 miles, RST 3SP a GM-estimated 460 miles. On the LT is the standard 17.7-inch-diagonal center infotainment screen is paired with 11.3-inch-diagonal driver informational center. The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV has a 12,500 lb towing capacity and 1,800 lb payload capacity. An available Multi-Flex Midgate offers up to 10 feet and 10 inches of load floor when paired with the standard Multi-Flex Tailgate. Chevrolet expects to ship 2025 Silverado EV WT, LT and RST to customers before the end of the year and, later in the model year, a Work Truck with the standard range battery pack will join the lineup for fleet and retail customers for $57,095. The EPA-estimated range will be available closer to that truck’s launch.

Only 16 More Bentley Batur Convertibles With W12 Engine To Be Made

The Bentley Batur Convertibles, the most powerful W12-powered drop-tops, are the last to be powered by the 739 horsepower hand-assembled 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine, with only sixteen to be made. The convertible roof can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds, with the car travelling at speeds of up to 30 mph. The Batur Convertible is customizable with each customer able to specify the color and finish of literally every single surface of both the exterior and cabin of the car. 

Sunday, October 6, 2024

McLaren W1 Starts At $2.1 Million

The new McLaren W1 rear-wheel drive supercar is powered by a 1276 horsepower hybrid powertrain combining the all-new 929 horsepower MHP-8 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with the all-new 347 horsepower E-module (integrating a radial flux electric motor and motor control unit) mated to an 8-speed transmission with E-reverse, coupled with a new hydraulic electronic differential. W1 is capable of zero-emissions driving on electric power alone. Pricing from circa $2.1 million, with the final cost dependent on the level of MSO personalization.