Lexus Leads 2013 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study

Which 2010 model cars are the most dependable according to their owners after three years of ownership? The Lexus RX, with the fewest reported problems in the industry at just 57 PP100, led Toyota which captured seven model categories that also included the Lexus ES 350, Scion xB, Scion xD, Toyota Prius, Toyota Sienna and Toyota RAV4. This is the first time in the history of the study that a crossover or SUV has topped the list.

General Motors came through with four segment awards for the Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Sierra HD. Honda had two model-level awards for the Acura RDX and Honda Crosstour. The Audi A6, Ford Ranger, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Nissan Z also receive segment awards. This could be valuable information if you're looking to buy a used car, maybe one that's coming off a three year lease. Obviously mileage and vehicle condition are other factors to consider.

Lexus ranks highest in vehicle dependability among all nameplates for a second consecutive year. Rounding out the five highest-ranked nameplates are Porsche, Lincoln, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz (see above). Chrysler's Ram brand posts the greatest year-over-year improvement from 2012 by 52 PP100. In 2013, overall vehicle dependability averages 126 PP100, a five percent improvement from the 2012 average of 132 PP100 making it the lowest problem count since the inception of the study in 1989.

The 2013 Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from more than 37,000 original owners of 2010 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. The study was fielded between October and December 2012.
Source: J.D. Power & Associates

2013 Nissan JUKE NISMO and 2014 Nissan 370Z NISMO

 
NISMO, Nissan's performance arm is introducing the 2013 JUKE NISMO and the 2014 370Z NISMO. The 2014 370Z NISMO, which goes on sale this summer, features a number of exterior and interior enhancements that follow the global NISMO red-accented design theme. It is powered by an advanced 350-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine.

The 2013 JUKE NISMO model features nearly 100 individual revised components, including a NISMO-tuned 197-horsepower 1.6-liter DIG turbo engine, NISMO-tuned suspension, bold aerodynamic styling with a 37 percent improvement in downforce (versus non-NISMO models), NISMO interior with deeply bolstered front seats and red accents and lightweight 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Kia Forte 5-Door SX and Kia Cross GT Concept

 
The all-new Forte 5-door SX hatchback with an all-new 201 horsepower 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters is expected to go on sale in the third quarter of this year, and pricing will be announced closer to launch. The Forte EX base model has a 173 horsepower 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine with 16-inch alloy wheels, UVO eServices with rear camera display, Bluetooth wireless technology, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise control buttons, FlexSteer tilt and telescoping steering column, power windows, and LED positioning headlights with fog lights.

The Kia Cross GT concept reveals Kia’s intentions to potentially offer a larger premium CUV than the current Sorento with a wheelbase that is longer than the Sorento’s by 15.7 inches and an overall length of 192.8 inches that is 8.4 inches more than Sorento. The concept powertrain is Kia’s proven hybrid technology using a 3.8-liter V6 hybrid, 8-speed automatic and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive with a pancake-shaped electric motor sandwiched between the V6 and transmission delivering 400 horsepower, with an all-electric range of 20-miles.  

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel At $25,695 This Summer

The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel with a 148 horsepower 2.0L turbo-diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission is coming this summer with a starting price at $25,695 (including a $810 destination charge). Based on GM testing, the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel gets an estimated 42 mpg on the highway. Other standard features include Chevrolet’s infotainment system MyLink, a two-year maintenance plan, and a five-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Currently, the high end gas-powered Cruze LTZ starts at $24,345 (including $795 destination charge) with a 138 horsepower turbo 1.4 liter engine that gets 38 mpg on the highway.

Volkswagen Announces Limited Editions Beetles And GTI

The 2014 Beetle GSR (Gelb Schwarzer Renner or “Yellow Black Racer”) in yellow and black, like its 1970s predecessor, the GSR debuts a 210 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder TSI® engine that will be fitted to the Jetta GLI and Beetle Turbo during the 2013 model year. Just like its predecessor, only 3500 GSR models will be made and more than half of those will be sold in the U.S. The GSR is based on the Beetle Turbo with Sunroof and Sound model so it comes equipped with the Fender® Premium Audio System; a panoramic sunroof; Keyless access with push-button start; Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs; LED license-plate lighting; heatable front seats; Bluetooth® connectivity; a Media Device Interface (MDI) with iPod® cable; three-color ambient lighting; aluminum-alloy pedals; and three auxiliary instruments that include a clock with a stopwatch function and a boost gauge. The Volkswagen Beetle GSR will go on sale in the fall as a 2014 model; pricing will be announced closer to launch.

The Beetle R-Line, with the Beetle Turbo’s sport-tuned suspension, will be added to the Volkswagen line-up for model year 2014 with performance-inspired exterior and interior treatments like 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on lower-profile all-season tires.

The GTI Wolfsburg Edition and GTI Driver’s Edition will be offered in limited quantities for the final model year of the sixth-generation hot-hatch. The first to go on sale is the GTI Wolfsburg Edition, which will be in dealerships during the first quarter starting at $25,095 for a six-speed manual transmission version or $26,195 when equipped with a six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission. There will be a total of 2000 Wolfsburg Edition models. The GTI Driver’s Edition arrives early in the second quarter of 2013 is the GTI Driver’s Edition with the GTI Sunroof and Navigation package and adds the 18-inch aluminum-alloy Laguna wheels, a golf ball shifter knob, red-stitched carpeted floormats, and partial leather seat coverings. Just 3000 units will be sold in the U.S., priced from $29,695 with the manual transmission and from $30,795 for the version with the six-speed DSG transmission.

2014 Toyota Tundra Will Arrive In September

 
The redesigned 2014 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck comes in SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum and the all-new 1794 Edition and offers three engine choices. A 270 horsepower 4.0-liter Dual Overhead Cam V6 paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with uphill/downhill shift logicis is standard on the Tundra Regular and Double Cab. The available 310 horsepower 4.6-liter DOHC i-Force V8 and the 381 horsepower 5.7-liter DOHC i-Force V8 come in both gasoline and "Flex Fuel" variants and standard with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Tundras will have a new Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, a standard back-up camera (viewed from the audio display screen), and standard Bluetooth. Additional standard features include a 3.5-inch multi-information display in the gauge cluster. Sales of Tundra topped 100,000 in 2012 for the first time since 2008. The redesigned 2014 Tundra will reach Toyota dealers in September.

The Tundra pickup has been the platform for the Sequoia SUV so stay tuned for the third generation Sequoia which will be its first update since 2008.

Super Bowl Car Commercials - The Rest Of The Story

KIA FORTE
The all-new 2014 Kia Forte compact sedan, scheduled to arrive in retail showrooms in late-first quarter or early second quarter, was featured in Kia's Super Bowl ad,  "Hotbots", where a futuristic robot is played by former Miss USA Alyssa Campanella.
JEEP
The Jeep and Ram Truck brands each introduced two-minute videos during Super Bowl XLVII. Jeep® brand’s two-minute spot, “Whole Again,” is a letter read by Oprah Winfrey, from the Jeep brand and the American people to the service men and women of the six branches of the armed forces.
RAM
The new Ram Truck spot, “Farmer,” was inspired by the stirring “So God Made a Farmer” tribute delivered by legendary radio broadcaster Paul Harvey and used as an anthem in grassroots videos created by farm families over the past three decades. The Ram Truck brand commissioned 10 noted photographers including National Geographic's William Albert Allard and documentary photographer Kurt Markus to document American farm life.

LINCOLN
Lincoln's second Super Bowl ad for the 2013 MKZ is titled “Phoenix,” and graphically showcases the new beginning of the brand with an MKZ emerging from the flames of a Lincoln Town Car. Somewhat better than their other "tweet-created" spot.

Overall winner, hoofs down, was a commercial featuring an older mode of transportation. A real tearjerker - the Budweiser spot: The Clydesdales: "Brotherhood" with Stevie Nicks "Reflections" song and a 7 day old foal, the newest member of the Clydesdales - looking for a name.

And that, my friends, is the rest of the Super Bowl commercial story.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Super Bowl Commercial - Soul

 
No shortage of A talent for the CLA in Mercedes-Benz Super Bowl commercial. Actor Willem Dafoe plays the devil who tries to get a young man to sign away his soul for the new CLA but just as he's about to, he sees the $29,900 price for the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA on a billboard across the street. The CLA will be hitting showrooms in September. The ad features supermodel Kate Upton and Usher and the powerful Rolling Stones song Sympathy for the Devil which was also in the effective teaser spot.

January 2013 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors sold 194,699 vehicles in the United States in January, up 16 percent compared with a year ago. Retail sales were up 24 percent. Fleet sales were down 2 percent.

Ford January U.S. sales were 166,501, growing 22 percent year-over-year – with retail sales up 24 percent. Gains were made across the product lineup, with cars up 34 percent, utilities up 23 percent, and trucks up 11 percent for the month.

Toyota reported monthly sales of 157,725 in January 2013, up 26.6 percent.

Chrysler reported U.S. sales of 117,731, a 16 percent increase compared with sales in January 2012 and the group's best January sales since 2008.

American Honda reported January 2013 U.S. sales of 93,626, an increase of 12.8 percent compared with January 2012. The Honda brand posted January 2013 sales of 84,137, an increase of 12.7 percent and Acura U.S. January sales of 9,489 was a 13.2 percent rise compared with January 2012.

Nissan North America reported January U.S. sales of 80,919, up 2 percent. Nissan Division sales in January totaled 73,793, up 1.8 percent over the prior year making it the division's best January ever. Sales of Infiniti vehicles were 7,126, an increase of 4.9 percent over last January.

Hyundai Motor America announced a new all-time record for January sales with 43,713, up 2.4 percent versus 2012. 

Kia Motors America reported an all-time record January selling 36,302 vehicles, a 2.2-percent increase over the same period in 2012. 

Volkswagen reported sales of 29,018 in January, a 6.7 percent increase over prior year sales. VW achieved 29 consecutive months of year-over-year growth and the best January since 1974. Over the last three years, VW has more than doubled its annual sales volumes. Separately, Audi reported January sales of 10,056 vehicles, a 7.5 per cent increase over the previous mark last year. The month also stands as the 25th consecutive month of record sales for Audi of America.

Subaru reported 27,663 vehicle sales for January 2013, which represents a 21 percent increase over January 2012.  These results follow four consecutive years of sales increases and more than 300,000 annual sales in 2012 – a first in company history. 

Mercedes-Benz USA reported sales of 24,059, a 10.7 percent increase over January 2012 making it the greatest year start in the company's history.  The Mercedes-Benz model line alone marked its highest January numbers with sales of 22,501, up 10.8 percent. 

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported January sales of 20,195 vehicles, an increase of 2.3 percent from the same month a year ago.

Mazda North American Operations reported January U.S. sales of 21,319 vehicles, representing a decrease of 11.2 percent versus last year.

Porsche announced record January sales of 3,358, an increase of 32 percent which follows Porsche's record-setting year in the U.S., with 35,043 vehicles sold in 2012.

American Suzuki reported January 2013 automobile sales of 1,488, just shy of the 1,505 sales reported in January 2012.  The results represent sales of remaining inventory as ASMC continues the wind-down of U.S. automobile sales. 


Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

2014 Audi A8 L TDI Starts At $83,395 In Early Spring

The first ever 2014 Audi A8 L TDI® quattro® all-wheel drive with the new 240 horsepower 3.0 liter TDI clean diesel engine starts at $83,395 (including $895 destination charge) with an EPA estimated fuel efficiency of 24 city/ 36 highway/ 28 combined mpg. The 2014 Audi A8 L TDI with 0-60 MPH time of 6.4 seconds will go on sale in early this Spring. The available Premium Package now consists of Audi side assist and pre sense rear, 22-way multi-contour comfort seats, front seat ventilation with massage and full LED headlights. The A8 L TDI, available in the long-wheelbase version only, joins the other A8 models: A8 3.0T, A8 4.0T, S8 4.0T and A8 W12.

Diesel Math
In comparison, the 2013 A8 L 3.0 TFSI® twin-turbo V8 gas engine model sells for $79,395, $4,000 less than the new TDI but it only gets 18/28 mpg vs. the 2014 A8 L TDI at 24/36 mpg. So let's say you drive 12,000 highway miles per year. With the gas engine at 28mpg using premium grade at $4.06 per gallon its costs $1,740 per year. With the TDI at 36mpg using diesel at $4.26 per gallon it costs $1,420 per year, a fuel cost saving of $320 per year. The TDI costs $4,000 more so it will take 12.5 years ($4,000/$320) to breakeven. Other TDI considerations like less maintenance cost and cleaner emissions have not been factored in.

Kia's 2013 Super Bowl Commercial - Space Babies

Where do babies come from? Kia's Super Bowl Commercial, "Space Babies" deals with a Dad's answer as the family rides in a 2014 Sorento. He explains they parachute in from a planet called Babylandia.  

Hyundai's 2013 Super Bowl Commercials - All Of Them

PRE-GAME
“Don’t Tell” is Hyundai's 30-second Super Bowl pre-game show spot featuring the all-new 7-passenger Santa Fe.

“Excited” is Hyundai's 30-second Super Bowl pre-game show spot featuring the 429 horsepower, 8-speed Genesis R-Spec racing around a track voiced by sportscaster, Gus Johnson.

“Epic PlayDate” is Hyundai’s 60-second pre-kick off commercial featuring the all-new seven-passenger Santa Fe with a soundtrack, Sun Blows Up Today, written for Hyundai by The Flaming Lips rock band.

FIRST QUARTER
"Team" Hyundai's other spot featuring the all-new 7-passenger Santa Fe and airing in the first quarter was released earlier.

SECOND QUARTER
“Stuck” is Hyundai's 30-second second quarter Super Bowl spot featuring the Sonata Turbo. The clear message is that when you're stuck behind a vehicle you need to pass, the turbo gives you the power.

CANADA SUPER BOWL COMMERCIAL: "Gaspocalypse" features the Sonata Hybrid and offers an "alternate ending".

Mazda To Produce Fiat Two-Seater Sports Car In 2015

Mazda and Fiat first announced a joint venture last May, then a few weeks ago the signing of the final agreement which will see Mazda produce an open-top two-seater sports car for Fiat's Alfa Romeo brand based on the architecture of the next generation Mazda MX-5 to be built at Mazda's Hiroshima, Japan, plant starting from 2015. But what just surfaced is this photo in news release from an Illinois Mazda dealer.

Though a joint effort, Mazda and Fiat will develop two distinctly styled, brand-specific roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive powered by specific proprietary engines unique to each brand. According to the agreement announcement, Mazda aims to enhance development and production efficiency and revitalize enthusiasm for open-top two-seater sports cars around the world while allowing Fiat to deliver a modern interpretation of the classic Alfa Romeo roadster utilizing the latest technical solutions, helping Alfa Romeo to achieve its stated goals by 2016.

Hyundai Santa Fe Super Bowl Ad - Team

Hyundai's 30-second in-game Super Bowl commercial running in the first quarter is called "Team" featuring the all-new seven-passenger Santa Fe where a young boy and his mom gather a team of kids from various locations to fill the seven seats..

Hyundai is launching a mobile social experience that serves as a digital companion to "Team" called "Find Your 7" allowing you to assemble your Super Bowl dream team online, assigning some of your best Facebook friends to each seat in a virtual Santa Fe. Each seat corresponds to a unique character archetype, mimicking groups of friends in the real world. By participating, you will be entered into a drawing to win seven tickets to the 2014 Super Bowl. Starting today, visit FindYour7.com and login with Facebook profile to the "Find Your 7" program.

If you're confused, the traditional 5-passenger Santa Fe is now called the Santa Fe Sport.

Toyota Rav4 Super Bowl Ad

 
The all-new RAV4, Toyota's new "Wish Granted" commercial starring Kaley Cuoco has more car in it than the teaser spot. "Wish Granted," created by Saatchi & Saatchi LA, will run during the first quarter of Sunday's game, followed by the Toyota Super Bowl Today Post-Game Show which will also include the airing of two additional new commercials highlighting the Tundra Endeavour tow and the recently-launched company direction, "Let's Go Places."  

Volkswagen Super Bowl Ad Features Beetle Turbo

 
The Volkswagen Beetle Turbo is the star of the Super Bowl commercial just released by Volkswagen. With Jimmy Cliff's Jamaican reggae warm-up spot, this ad continues that "irie mon" feeling of don't worry, be happy by being tagged the "Get Happy" spot. It has stirred some chat about white men speaking with a Jamaican accent but that's what marketing is all about. It's a positive anchor, tying Montego Bay and Negril Beach to a fun car. The commercial airs in the second quarter of the Big Game.

Lincoln Has High Hopes For Super Bowl TV Spot

 
The Lincoln Motor Company, as it's now called, will, for the first time in the brand’s history, advertise in the Super Bowl. Lincoln asked comedian Jimmy Fallon to lead the first-ever Super Bowl commercial written entirely by social media, with thousands of consumers through Twitter giving their best 140 character thoughts for a script. Fallon chose the best five contributions to create the ad that will run during the third quarter of the broadcast. All-time NFL rushing leader and three-time Super Bowl champion Emmitt Smith has signed on as a brand ambassador to help Lincoln continue to put MKZ in the spotlight at the game in New Orleans.

South American alpacas (above) were brought to Southern California for the Lincoln ad shoot so I guess a lot will be riding on them, Jimmy Fallon and Emmitt Smith, not to mention Ford executives, for the launch of The Lincoln Motor Company brand and the  MKZ sedan. To view the entire 90 second video describing the making of the commercial, go to http://steerthescript.com/

Volkswagen's pre-Super Bowl Sunny Side Video

Volkswagen's pre-game video release "Sunny Side" features reggae legend Jimmy Cliff singing The Partridge Family theme song "C'mon, Get Happy". No cars just freak-outs, meltdowns, and temper tantrums leading into happy faces from all walks of life with the tag - It's time to get happy. Watch the game day commercial.

Toyota's Super Bowl Spot - Kaley Cuoco or Rav4?

 
Toyota is hoping that 27 year old actress Kaley Cuoco gives them a big bang during the Super Bowl. Cuoco who stars in Toyota's Super Bowl game day spot is known for her roles as Penny on The Big Bang Theory, Bridget Hennessy on 8 Simple Rules and as Billie Jenkins on Charmed. The end of the ad has her in the all-new 2013 Rav4 that was introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show two months ago. Toyota is calling the ad the Toyota Game Day Teaser "I Wish" Starring Kaley Cuoco. She's OK but I'm hoping for a little more car.

2014 Kia Sorento Takes The TV Ad Spotlight

 

Kia returns as a Super Bowl advertiser for the fourth straight time to show off the new 2014 Sorento that rides on an all-new platform and suspension system, and offers a new V6 engine and more passenger room as well as a new top-of-the-line trim level called the SX Limited. The 2014 Sorento will be the first Kia vehicle to offer the next generation voice-activated telematics system, UVO eServices. Kia's TV ad, "Space Babies" is scheduled to air in the fourth quarter of next Sundat's Super Bowl. Starting this Friday the ad will be seen on more than 33,000 screens nationwide as part of ScreenVision and National CineMedia’s FirstLook.

In the first spot of the Sorento’s “It has an answer for everything™” campaign, titled “Tight Space,” the father utilizes the power-folding mirrors to park in a tight space and then uses the power liftgate to exit the vehicle which impresses his wife and kids. Click on the link above to see this ad.

Subaru Goes With Dog Tested. Dog Approved Campaign

 
Subaru will air its "Dog Tested. Dog Approved" campaign to resonate with Subaru owners and like-minded consumers. Subaru says its drivers are two times more likely than the average car owner to have a pet. Super Bowl Sunday Feb. 3 and Subaru has unveiled a sneak peak of the new commercials:
    Lint Roller, Tailgate,  Let's Talk Financing,  On the Lot 

Subaru will also launch a new Facebook application packed with treats for dogs and dog lovers:
    Dog Matchmaker:  With the help of Grant Weber, every dog can find their perfect Subaru.  Enter the dogs breed, weight, and lifestyle and the Matchmaker will identify a fitting model for the dog.
    Ask a Dog - Live: Type in a question and Our Subaru Canine Experts will work hard to dig up the results.
    Four-Paw Drivers Club: Let your dog become a four-legged Subaru enthusiast with their own dog driver's license. Upload a photo of your dog to populate a personalized dog driver's license and share with your friends.
    Put Your Dog in a Subaru: Every dog has his or her day. Now you can help them get there faster by putting them behind the wheel of a Subaru. Upload a picture of your furry friend, put them in the driver's seat, and see where the road takes them.

Hyundai Santa Fe Featured In Four Super Bowl TV Ads

This is Hyundai's sixth consecutive year as a Super Bowl advertiser and this year has five game-day ads, including four all-new spots. Two of the new ads are slotted for the pre-game show and two are scheduled to air in-game with the all-new Santa Fe featured in three of the five Super Bowl advertisements. Sonata Turbo and 429-horsepower, 8-speed Genesis R-Spec are featured in the other two spots. The seven passenger, three row Santa Fe with a 290 horsepower 3.3-liter GDI V6 engine debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show two months ago and will hit showrooms soon..

VOTE NOW for Audi's Super Bowl TV Commercial

 Audi is letting you select the Super Bowl spot, featuring all-new 2013 Audi S6. Audi has posted three versions of its Super Bowl spot, each with a different ending, to its YouTube page allowing viewers to choose how they want the spot to end. The final spot will debut on YouTube in advance of the game and on CBS during Super Bowl XLVII in the first break after kickoff. Voting on YouTube will be open for 24 hours, and has started - closing at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time tonight - Friday, January 25.

I voted - make sure you vote at http://www.youtube.com/audiusa

BMW and Toyota To Collaborate On Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

BMW and Toyota signed agreements aimed at long-term collaboration of a fuel cell system, joint development of architecture and components for a sports vehicle, and joint research and development of lightweight technologies. The fuel-cell vehicle system includes a fuel cell stack and system, hydrogen tank, motor and battery, aiming for completion in 2020. BMW and Toyota will collaborate on codes and standards for the hydrogen infrastructure, necessary for the distribution to get the public to buy into it. A mid-size sports vehicle feasibility study to define a joint platform concept, including the development of lightweight technologies, is to be completed by the end of this year. The joint effort will research the development of a lithium-air battery with energy density greatly exceeding that of current lithium-ion batteries.

Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction Flashback: 1990

The first live telecast of the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, was on Financial News Network in January 1990, 23 years ago. It was said to be the highest rated program in the history of FNN which, at the time was in 35 million cabled homes, and, in 1991, was acquired by CNBC. It was certainly a memorable event for me, seeing cars sell for so much, but nowhere near the prices that are fetched today.

There were many notable bidders and collectors that I interviewed during that 3-hour telecast including former Seattle Seahawks owner and Blackhawk real estate developer Ken Behring, L.A. Times Publisher Otis Chandler, former New Yankee Reggie Jackson and cartoon voice Noel Blanc (below), son of Mel Blanc, famous for voicing Bugs Bunny and other Looney Tunes characters.

Later that year, on Labor Day weekend 1990 in Auburn, Indiana, I had the opportunity to broadcast the Auburn Cord Duesenberg collector car auction on FNN. Speedvision which started in 1996 and later became Speed, now telecasts the Barrett-Jackson auctions, including this past week when the 1966 Batmobile sold for $4.6 million. Looking back, not only brings back memories, but shows how time and inflation raises prices, enthusiasm and following.

Audi RS 7 Sportback, 24 mpg With 560 Horsepower

The Audi RS 7 Sportback five-door coupe uses a 560 horsepower 4.0 TFSI twin-turbo V8 engine with a cylinder on demand system that at low to medium loads and engine speeds, deactivates cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8 by closing their valves via electromechanical actuators. The 4.0 TFSI then runs as a four-cylinder engine until the driver puts more metal to the pedal and accelerates. The engine is mated to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission which also contributes to the RS 7 achieving 24 mpg from a powerful quattro permanent all-wheel drive powertrain. The Audi RS 7 Sportback is top of the line, dishing out even more power than the all-new Audi S7 which at 420 horsepower has a starting price of $79,695.

MINI John Cooper Works Paceman Starts At $36,200 In March

The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman is an ALL4 all-wheel drive MINI with a 208 horsepower 1.6 liter turbocharged engine making it the 7th John Cooper Works model in the line-up which will sell for $36,200 (including $700 destination charge) when it hits showrooms in March. The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman with a twin-scroll turbocharger with direct injection and variable valve control based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology, posts average fuel consumption in preliminary EPA estimates of 31 mpg highway / 25 mpg city / 27 mpg combined for the manual transmission (30 mpg highway / 23 mpg city / 26 mpg combined for automatic transmission). The menu of MINIs is growing and the U.S. model of this Paceman has a top speed of 127 mph.

2014 Cadillac ELR Extended-Range Electric Coupe

The 2014 Cadillac ELR touring coupe with a luxury 2+2 passenger layout has a lithium-ion battery system and an electric drive unit packaging a pair of electric motors and a multi-mode transaxle with continuously variable capability. The front-wheel-drive, two-door coupe extended-range electric vehicle has a large electric drive motor that propels the vehicle while a smaller, second electric motor serves as a generator to keep the battery pack at its minimum charge level and assists the drive motor with propulsion, based on performance, speed and efficiency requirements.

 
When power from the advanced lithium-ion storage battery pack is depleted, the range-extending gas-powered electric generator kicks in to deliver continued power for the electric drive system, extending the ELR’s range, while also ensuring the vehicle’s dynamic performance. The vehicle can be completely recharged in about 4.5 hours using a 240V outlet and 12 hours with 120V, depending on the outside temperature. There are four driver-selectable modes: Sport, Tour, Mountain, and Hold which allows owners to use its gas-powered electric generator, reserving the remaining battery charge for later use for more efficient city travel. Combined electric/extended driving range is more than 300 miles, according to Cadillac. The ELR has an 8 year / 100,000 mile warranty.

Ford Atlas Concept Pickup Truck, The F Future

The Ford Atlas Concept pickup truck features a next-generation EcoBoost® powertrain which uses gasoline direct injection and turbocharging to deliver fuel-economy gains of up to 20 percent and reduction of CO2 emissions of up to 15 percent, compared with larger-displacement engines. More than 500,000 EcoBoost engines have been sold globally, including 250,000 in the Ford F-150. Speaking of the F-150, pickup trucks are vitally important to Ford as the F-Series was America’s best-selling pickup for the 36th straight year and 31 consecutive years as America’s best-selling vehicle. Overall, Ford sold 645,316 F-Series in 2012, a 10 percent increase versus 2011.

The Atlas Concept has multiple tie-down points integrated into the cargo box walls and load floor, along with 110-volt electrical outlets in the cargo box to charge power tools. An integrated roof carrying system and hidden extendable ramps give the truck functionality for a variety of jobs. Ford Atlas Concept has such features as power running boards to help passengers enter the truck, dual-purpose tailgate step and cargo cradle for extra-long cargo items, dynamic hitch assist helps precisely line up the truck’s hitch with the trailer coupling by showing visual cues in the truck’s center display screen, and 360-degree point-of-view camera for a bird’s-eye view of the truck to help position the vehicle in tight places.

2014 Acura RLX Flagship Sedan Starts At $49,345 On March 15

 
The all-new 2014 Acura RLX flagship sedan with an all-new 310-horspower 3.5 liter direct-injected SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine and Precision All-Wheel Steer™ arrives at Acura dealerships on March 15th, starting at $49,345 (MSRP including the $895 destination charge) and running up to $61,345 for the RLX with the Advance Package. The 2014 Acura RLX will be available in five grades RLX, the RLX with Navigation ($51,845), the feature-packed RLX with Technology package ($55,345), the RLX with Krell Audio package ($57,845), and the top-of-the-line RLX with Advance package ($61,345). No pricing yet on the 370 horsepower RLX Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive® with expected EPA fuel-economy ratings of 30 city/30 highway/30 combined, coming later in the year.

L.A. Auto Show interview with Jeff Conrad - VP, Acura Sales at American Honda.

2013 Nissan LEAF S At $18,800 After Tax Credits

The new all-electric 2013 Nissan LEAF, its third model year, will start at an MSRP of $28,800 for the newly-added LEAF S grade, a less expensive version than the LEAF SV offered at $31,820 and the LEAF SL at $34,840. The LEAF S is the lowest priced five-passenger electric vehicle sold in the United States. Eligible Californians can purchase a 2013 Nissan LEAF for as low as $18,800 after the $7,500 federal tax credit and $2,500 state rebate. Nissan still has a lease offer as low as $199 per month for 36 months, which includes tax credits and destination charges. The 2013 LEAF has 17-inch alloy wheels and leather appointed interior on SL models, available Around View® Monitor and 7-speaker Bose® energy efficient audio system and a 6.6 kW onboard charger that significantly reduces 220V charging times and is standard on SV and SL models.

Nearly 50,000 LEAFs have been sold worldwide and now LEAF production is getting a boost as manufacturing recently starting in Smyrna, Tennessee, so the new lower priced LEAF S could launch sales to new heights, which Nissan is counting on.

All-New 2014 Subaru Forester Starts At $22,820

 
The all-new 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i model, with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, will be available in base, Premium, Limited and top-line Touring versions starting at $22,820 (including the $825 destination charge) for the base model 2.5i with a six-speed manual transmission.  The turbocharged Forester 2.0XT will be offered in the Premium and Touring versions, with the Premium trim offered at $28,820. Manufacturer's fuel economy estimates are 24 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 27 mpg combined.

The all-new 2014 Forester is available with Subaru Eyesight driver assistance system and all-new STARLINK cabin technology.  High-line 2014 Forester models equipped with the CVT also feature new Hill Descent Control and a new X-Mode control feature, which provides extra control in certain driving conditions.  Other new amenities and conveniences include rear vision camera, color multi-function display, power rear gate with automatic close and Keyless Access and Start.  The available navigation system features smartphone integration with the driver-friendly Aha® audio application. The top-line Touring models come standard with a navigation system and 440-watt harman/kardon® audio system.

2014 Kia Cadenza Arrives In The 2nd Quarter

The all-new 2014 Kia Cadenza premium sedan moves Kia up-market with premium standard and optional equipment, including Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection and Lane-Departure Warning System. The Cadenza is equipped with Kia’s all-aluminum 293 horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine with gasoline direct injection mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that includes a Sportmatic manual shift mode and paddle shifters around the leather and wood-wrapped steering wheel. The Cadenza is expected to arrive in Kia showrooms in the second quarter with pricing to be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept

The Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis concept has the 5.0-liter Tau® V8 engine with direct injection and Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) mated to the 8-speed automatic transmission controlled by paddle shifters. The latest technology demonstrates driver eye-tracking and 3-D hand-gesture recognition. The HCD-14 Genesis is able to recognize driver commands free from the distractions associated with manual controls. Once a specific feature is selected via eye-tracking, thumb controls or gesture recognition can be used to select navigation, infotainment, audio, HVAC, and even smartphone connectivity functions.

John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America says "HCD-14 Genesis gives a hint of the design direction we’ll be taking, and an indication of the focus we’re placing on driving dynamics and technology.”

Toyota Corolla Furia Concept, A Look To The Future

The Toyota Corolla Furia Concept compact sedan hints at the styling cues for the next-generation Corolla with an overall length of 181.9 inches. 2013 marks the 45th anniversary of Corolla in the U.S., with more than nine million sold since 1968.

2014 Nissan Versa Note Hatchback Coming This Summer

The 2014 Nissan Versa Note is the second generation of the Versa hatchback with a 109 horsepower 1.6-liter HR16DE 4-cylinder engine and scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide this summer at a starting MSRP of $13,990. The Versa Note features Around View® Monitor, NissanConnectSM with Navigation System with Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant and Active Grille Shutter – which helps it deliver expected 40 miles per gallon highway fuel economy with the CVT transmission.


The all-wheel drive Resonance concept features a hybrid electric drivetrain that includes Nissan's proprietary "one-motor, two-clutch" system, which combines a smaller displacement internal combustion gasoline engine with an electric motor/lithium-ion battery and advanced management system.

Volkswagen CrossBlue SUV Concept Electric Diesel

The Volkswagen CrossBlue SUV concept plug-in hybrid has a 305 horsepower powertrain mates a TDI® Clean Diesel engine with two electric motors, a DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission, and an electric all-wheel-drive system. Volkswagen’s manufacturer estimated fuel economy rating is 89 mpge combined in electric mode and 35 mpg as a hybrid. If it goes into production, the CrossBlue, a seven-seat midsize crossover, would slot in above the Tiguan and below the premium Touareg.

Mercedes-Benz 2014 CLA-Class Coming This Fall

The all-new Mercedes-Benz 2014 CLA-Class four-door coupe has Mercedes-Benz’s 208 horsepower 2.0-liter four cylinder gasoline engine mated to a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with the ECO stop/start function. The CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC both include the 5.8-inch display and Bluetooth as standard equipment. The all-new 2014 CLA250 arrives in U.S. dealerships this Fall and the 2014 CLA250 4MATIC all-wheel drive in the Spring of 2014.