BMW X7 Joins X Model Line-Up Made In Plant Spartanburg

BMW Group plans to invest $1 billion in it’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, and it includes manufacturing the BMW X7, all-new, larger X model, adding to the X3, X4, X5, X6 line-up being built at Plant Spartanburg which already exports, on average, 70 percent of its annual production with a 2013 value of more than $7.5 billion. The plant’s annual production capacity will expand by 50 percent from around 300,000 up to 450,000 vehicles by the end of 2016 creating an additional 800 jobs, increasing the total workforce to 8,800.

2015 Chrysler 200 Starts At $22,695 Gets 36 Highway MPG

The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 with the standard 184 horsepower 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir®2 I-4 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission achieves 23 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined, five highway miles per gallon better than the outgoing model and has a starting MSRP of $22,695 (including $995 destination charge). The 36 highway MPG is a bit better than first thought.

The 295 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers an EPA highway fuel economy rating of 19 mpg city, 32 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined, for a three-mile-per-gallon highway improvement over the outgoing model. The available all-wheel-drive system features a one-speed power transfer unit and uniquely disconnects and reconnects the rear axle, automatically and seamlessly, as needed and at any speed.

2015 Audi TT, TTS Coupe and Roadster

The 2015 Audi TT Coupe and Roadster, built with a high-strength aluminum frame structure, are powered a 211 horsepower 2.0-liter TFSI® turbocharged and direct-injected, four cylinder engine while the high-performance Audi TTS Coupe and Roadster get 265 horsepower out of the 2.0-liter TFSI® turbocharged and direct-injected, four cylinder engine, both mated to a six-speed S tronic® dual-clutch automatic transmission.

For the 2015 Model Year, the Audi TTS has a new optional Competition Package, which includes new exterior paint in Imola Yellow or Nimbus Gray, a fixed rear spoiler, 5-arm-Rotor wheels with silver finish, Baseball Optic leather seats w/ Imola yellow accents and contrast stitching. Also for the 2015 Model Year, the TT Coupe and Roadster will offer the optional S line® plus carbon package and will have standard 5-arm-Dynamic design wheels. A roll-bar covered in black leather will be optional for both models.The TT and TTS offer an available twelve-speaker BOSE® sound system. An available Navigation package includes the Audi parking system with rear acoustic sensors, as well as the Audi Music Interface. The available DVD-based Audi Navigation plus system features a full-color 6.5-inch LCD screen and MMI® control logic for AM/FM and SiriusXM® Radio, real-time traffic, AMI in the glove box and two SD® card slots for MP3 music.

2015 Acura TLX To Debut At New York Auto Show

The 2015 Acura TLX will offer two advanced new powertrains - a 2.4-liter 16-valve, direct-injected i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine mated to an all-new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with torque converter and a 3.5-liter 24-valve direct-injected i-VTEC V-6 mated to a new 9-speed automatic transmission and will utilize the next-generation of Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer™ technology with independent left and right rear-wheel toe angle control.

Porsche Boxster, Cayman GTS Models Coming This Summer

The Porsche Boxster GTS (above) and Porsche Cayman GTS (below) will be offered as GTS models with an additional 15 horsepower compared to their "S" model counterparts, so the Boxster will have a 330 horsepower 3.4-liter 6-cylinder boxer engine and the Cayman GTS 340 horsepower. The Sport Chrono package is a standard feature with either the 6-speed manual or the optional 7-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission. With manual transmissions, the top track speed for the Boxster GTS is 174 mph and for a Cayman GTS is 177 mph. They offer as standard equipment unique front and rear fascias, blacked out Bi-XenonTM headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System, 20-inch Carrera S wheels and a sport exhaust system with black tailpipes. 

The Boxster GTS is priced from $74,495 and the Cayman GTS is priced from $76,195, (including destination charges of $995). Both models will be available for delivery this summer.

Bentley SUV Coming In 2016

 Bentley Motors anticipates a minimum annual sales volume of 3000 SUVs when they hit roads in 2016.

2015 Mercedes-AMG S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe To Debut Soon

The new 2015 Mercedes-AMG S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe with the 577 horsepower AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sport transmission has a 0 to 60 mph estimated time of 3.9 seconds taking it to a top speed of 186 mph. The lightweight construction which includes the entire aluminum outer skin and the front end has reduced the vehicle weight by up to 140 pounds. There are three modes to choose from: "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport) and "M" (Manual) and the ECO start/stop function is standard. World premiere at the mid-April New York Auto Show and market launch this year.

Video: Kia's Eddie Rayyan Discusses 2015 Kia K900 V8

The all-new 2015 Kia K900 is offered with a 311 horsepower 3.8-liter Lamba V6 that will be launched sometime after the 420 horsepower Tau DOHC all-aluminum 32-valve five-liter V8 engine which just went on sale starting at $60,400 (including $900 in destination charges) for the K900 V8 Luxury model. The K900 comes with a three-year, 37,500-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance program covering the first five service visits at participating Kia dealerships.

Standard on the V8 are adaptive LED headlights with 16 LED bulbs, heated wheel, Nappa leather, 12-way adjustable driver’s seat including power lumbar support, front seat multi-stage heating and ventilation, Blind Spot Detection System, full-length panoramic roof with power retractable sunshade, and a 900-watt Lexicon high-fidelity audio system with a trunk-mounted 12-channel digital amplifier feeding 17 speakers. 

Eddie Rayyan, Kia Motors America, Product Strategy Manager discusses the all-new Kia K900 luxury sedan.

The V8 VIP Package K900 sells for $66,400 and has Head-Up Display, a TFT instrument panel with a 12.3 inch full-color LCD screen, seats with the ability to independently recline and incorporate power lumbar support and lateral headrest adjustability, a Lane Departure Warning System and a Surround View Monitor system which utilizes four wide-angle mini-cameras at the front and rear and within the outside rear view mirrors. The K900 V8 VIP Package also includes a radar-based Advanced Smart Cruise Control that adjusts vehicle speed to help maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front and has the ability to bring the K900 to a full stop.  The system will also automatically accelerate the vehicle once traffic allows.

Koenigsegg Agera R - Zero to 200 MPH In 17.68 Seconds

The Koenigsegg Agera R made of a carbon fiber with aluminum honeycomb chassis is powered by an 1140 horsepower twin turbo superchargered aluminum 5.0L V8 engine mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that can take it to a reported top speed of 273 miles an hour. At a price upwards of $1.6 million, the Agera R can sprint from zero to 200 mph in 17.68 seconds. 

The two-door, two seater roadster hypercar has a removable glass hardtop stowable under the front hood and comes with an adaptive rear wing, front winglets, rear view camera, Aircore carbon fiber wheels and new Aero exhaust. The Agera R is a flexfuel car running on both E85 biofuel and 95 octane fuel. Gas has less octane than ethanol E85 so the power is reduced to 960 horsepower. From the land of Volvo and Saab, Koenigsegg Automotive AB is based in Sweden and will show off one of these cars next month at the New York Auto Show.

2014 Dodge Journey Starts At $25,980 With 283 Horsepower V6

The 2014 Dodge Journey mid-size crossover with available seven-passenger seating gets the 283 horsepower Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive on SE models which start at $25,890 (including $995 destination). The powertrain delivers up to 24 mpg on the highway in AWD Journey models and 25 mpg for front-wheel-drive models. 2014 Dodge Journey models are built in Toluca, Mexico.

2014 Honda Civic Si Coupe Goes On-Sale Today Starting At $23,580

The restyled 2014 Honda Civic Si Coupe with a 205 horsepower 2.4-liter i-VTEC® DOHC 16-valve engine delivering 174 lb-ft of torque and mated to a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission goes on-sale today starting at $23,580 (including $790 destination charge) followed by the Si Sedan on March 26 starting at $23,780.

For 2014 the Si Coupe and Si Sedan add as standard equipment Honda's new 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen, which uses a smartphone-like interface, allowing users to swipe, tap and pinch their way through audio, phonebook, media, vehicle information and available navigation features. The display is also the interface for the next generation HondaLink™, the application based platform that connects customers to smartphone-provided online content both inside and outside the car. Also standard on the 2014 Si is the convenient Smart Entry with Push Button start, expanded view driver's mirror and Honda LaneWatch™ display for enhanced driver visibility.

BMW X4 xDrive28i Starts At $45,625

The all-new BMW X4 xDrive28i Sports Activity Coupe with a 240 horsepower 2.0-liter four cylinder engine has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $45,625 and the X4 xDrive35i, with a 300 horsepower 3.0-liter inline six engine has an MSRP of $48,925. Both models include an 8-speed Steptronic sport automatic transmission with shift paddles as well as xDrive, BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system. At 184.3 inches in length, it is 0.6 inches longer than the X3 and is 1.5 inches lower. The X4 concept was introduced in Los Angeles last November.

MINI Clubman Concept - Longer and Wider

The MINI Clubman Concept, longer and wider than the current model, with four doors and five seats.

Jaguar XE Compact Sport Sedan Coming To U.S. In 2016

The Jaguar XE all-new compact sport sedan with new advanced aluminum architecture will launch globally in 2015 and comes to the United States in 2016. The new Ingenium engine line will also offer a flexible engine architecture that can be configured to suit in-line and transverse installations and can be used in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

Mazda HAZUMI - Next Generation Subcompact

Mazda HAZUMI is the next-generation Mazda 4-passenger, 5-door subcompact concept model with the SKYACTIV-D 1.5, a newly developed small-displacement clean diesel engine i-ACTIVSENSE safety features. Mazda is focusing on four key areas with its new generation models; KODO—Soul of Motion design language, SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, Mazda Proactive Safety, and a new car connectivity system called Mazda Connect. The MAZDA HAZUMI unveiled at this year’s Geneva Motor Show brings together all four of these elements.

Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II - Re-designed

 The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II re-designed and updated.

February 2014 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors delivered 222,104 vehicles in the United States in February 2014. Total sales were down 1 percent compared with a year ago. Year-to-date sales are 393,590, down 6.1 percent from last year.

Ford Motor Company U.S. total sales of 183,947 vehicles in February are down 6.1 percent from a year ago. Retail sales of 125,919 vehicles are off 4 percent. Year-to-date sales of 338,591 is down 6.5 percent from 2013.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported February 2014 sales results of 159,284, a decrease of 4.3 percent from February 2013.

Chrysler reported U.S. sales of 154,866, an 11 percent increase compared with sales in February 2013  and the best February sales since 2007. Year-to-date sales of 282,049 is a 10 percent increase over last year.

Nissan announced total U.S. sales for February 2014 of 115,360 units, an increase of 15.8 percent compared to last year. Year-to-date sales of 205,830 is an increase of 14 percent from 2013.

American Honda Motor reported February 2014 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 100,405, down 7 percent from 2013 and year-to-date sales are 192,036, down 4.8 percent from last year.

Hyundai Motor America announced February sales of 49,003, down 6 percent from a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 93,008 is a drop of 3.1 percent from a year ago.

Kia Motors America reported February sales of 41,218, only 287 vehicles fewer than a year ago. Year-to-date sales are 78,229, a 0.5 percent increase over last year.

Subaru of America announced continuing record sales with February sales of 34,909, a 24 percent increase over February 2013.

Volkswagen of America reported February sales of 27,112, a 13.8 percent decline from February 2013. Year-to-date sales of 60,474 is a 16.3 percent drop from the first two months of 2013. Separately, Audi reported February 2014 sales of 10,881 vehicles, just 4 more than a year ago giving Audi it's 38th consecutive month of record monthly sales. Year-to-date, Audi has sold 20,982 vehicles, a 0.2 percent increase over 2013.

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported sales of 24,971 across the Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart model lines, a 3.8 percent increase over February 2013, making it the highest volume on record for the month. The Mercedes-Benz brand alone achieved record February sales of 22,609, increasing 2.6 percent over last year while Mercedes year-to-date sales were 45,213, up 1.5 percent. Adding year-to-date sales of 2,709 for Sprinter Vans and 1,462 units at smart, MBUSA achieved a year-to-date total of 49,384.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported February sales of 24,476 vehicles, a decrease of 4.4 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group is down 1.2 percent on sales of 45,272 in the first two months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.

Mazda North American Operations reported February U.S. sales of 24,431, a decrease of 2.4 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through February are down 6.7 percent versus last year, with 43,155 vehicles sold.

Volvo Cars reported retail sales of 3,991, down 18 per cent versus February 2013.

Porsche Cars North America February 2014 sales of 3,232 vehicles was an increase of 15 percent compared to the same period last year and making it the best February on record for Porsche in the U.S. Year-to-date sales of 6,328 is three percent more than in the first two months of 2013.


Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

2015 Lexus RC 350 F SPORT Debuts In Geneva

The 2015 Lexus RC 350 F SPORT, with more than 450 horsepower, has the same width as GS and a shorter wheelbase than the IS sedan and it's the third RC model joining the RC 350 sport coupe and RC F performance model.

Volkswagen T-ROC SUV Concept

The Volkswagen T-ROC two-door SUV concept with removable roof halves, is one down from the Tiguan in the Golf format powered by a 181 horsepower turbodiesel engine mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission with three different operating modes: “Street”, “Offroad” and “Snow” for the 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive system. More next week from Geneva.

Consumer Reports 2014 Top Picks - Tesla S Overall Winner

Consumer Reports 2014 Top Picks is an exceptional, well-­rounded vehicle, chosen from more than 260 that have been recently tested. They have excelled in testing, are reliable, and have performed well in independent crash tests.

Best overall: Tesla Model S - Price as tested: $89,650
Small SUV: Subaru Forester - Price as tested: $26,814
Midsized sedan: Honda Accord (4-cyl.) - Price as tested: $23,270
Compact car: Subaru Impreza - Prices as tested: Sedan $21,345, hatchback $22,345
Midsized SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe - Price as tested: $36,290
Green car: Toyota Prius - Price as tested: $26,750
Pickup truck: Ram 1500 - Price as tested: $42,810
Luxury car: Audi A6 - Price as tested: $56,295
Sports sedan: BMW 328i - Price as tested: $43,195
Minivan: Honda Odyssey - Price as tested: $36,830

For more detailed information go to Consumer Reports website.

All-New Third Generation Audi TT Debuts In Geneva

The new third generation Audi TT will be making its world debut at the Geneva Auto Show in less than two weeks and 14 years after the TT model was first introduced.

100 years of Maserati At The Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance

The seventh annual Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance celebrated 100 years of Maserati history, in conjunction with the Legends of Riverside and Riverside International Automotive Museum at the Desert Princess Country Club in the Coachella Valley.

As we recently saw at the Los Angeles Auto Show and during the Super Bowl, Maserati is making a marketing push. The introduction of the more affordable Maserati Ghibli has already attracted increased interest in the brand.

Audi S3 Cabriolet Coming To Dealers In Germany This Summer

The Audi S3 Cabriolet four-seater convertible has a 300 horsepower turbocharged 2.0 TFSI engine mated to an S tronic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive good for 33 mpg when it arrives in dealerships in Germany this summer starting at €48,500 euros or about $66,550 US dollars.

Volkswagen Golf GTE Plug-in Hybrid Debuts In Geneva

The new Golf GTE plug-in hybrid has a 148 horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged, direct-injection TSI® engine and a 101 horsepower electric motor for a stated system power of 201 horsepower and a combined fuel economy rating of 157 mpg with an all-electric range of 31 miles along with an overall range of 584 miles. The GTE sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 7.6 seconds and achieves a top speed of 135 mph.

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer Will Make Geneva Debut

The new front-wheel-drive BMW 2 Series Active Tourer with new three and four cylinder turbocharged engines, a package of BMW EfficientDynamics technology and BMW ConnectedDrive makes its debut at the Geneva Auto Show in a few weeks. The BMW 218i Active Tourer has 136 horsepower 1.5 liter  three-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The BMW 225i Active Tourer has a 231 horsepower four-cylinder engine. The BMW 218d Active Tourer has a 150 horsepower four-cylinder diesel engine.

All-New Volkswagen Scirocco Coming to Europe In August

The new Volkswagen Scirocco and Scirocco R, 40 years after the model's first debut, will be shown in Geneva in two weeks and launched in Europe in August with six turbo direct injection four-cylinder engines which are up to 19 per cent more economical and ranging from 123 to 276 horsepower. Four are gas engines and two diesel with five having a Stop/Start system as well as a battery regeneration mode. The new Scirocco will be launched initially in Europe from the middle of August and shortly afterwards in other high-volume markets such as China, Argentina, Turkey, Australia, Russia and South Korea.

McLaren 650S Supercar Coming This Spring

The McLaren 650S, inspired by the McLaren P1 and available as a fixed roof Coupé or Spider with a retractable folding hard top, translates to 650 horsepower from a twin turbo V8 engine and the ‘S’ stands for ‘Sport’. The McLaren Airbrake deploys whenever the car senses extra downforce is advisable rather than simply under braking or when manually operated in ‘Aero’ mode. At 150 mph, downforce levels are increased by 24 percent. The McLaren 650S which joins the McLaren 12C and P1 supercars will be shown March 4th at the Geneva Auto Show and go on sale in the Spring.

2015 Subaru WRX Starts At $27,090 This Spring

The 2015 Subaru WRX powered by a new 268-horsepower 2.0-liter direct injection turbo BOXER engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission or the Sport Lineartonic, a new, optional performance automatic transmission featuring two manual modes. The WRX starts at $27,090 and the WRX STI with a 305-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine maintains the previous model year pricing of $35,290. The WRX STI Limited with a six-speed manual transmission starts at $39,290 so the options it will run well above $40,000 out-the-door. Both vehicles arrive into dealerships this Spring.

Lamborghini Huracán Racking Up Orders

The Lamborghini Huracán powered by a 610-horsepower 5.2-litre normally-aspirated V10 engine accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds to a top speed of 202 miles per hour. In the midst of a month-long private preview tour worldwide for VIP clients, the Huracán already has 700 orders, almost a third of Lamborghini sales last year and that's even before its publicly revealed March 4th at the Geneva Auto Show. Price tag is around $250,000 when it hits the streets in the Spring.

J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study Led By Lexus

The J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, for 2011 model vehicles over 3 years has Lexus on top for the 3rd year in a row. The study finds that overall vehicle dependability averages 133 PP100, a 6 percent increase in problems from 126 PP100 in 2013, the first time since the 1998 study that the average number of problems has increased. According to the study, engine and transmission problems increased by nearly 6 PP100 year over year, accounting for the majority of the overall 7 PP100 increase in reported problems, with 4-cylinder engines taking most of the complaints. The J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Avoider Study shows that consumers are much more likely to avoid vehicles from brands that rank lower in dependability.  


General Motors receives eight segment awards for the Buick Lucerne; Cadillac DTS (tie); Cadillac Escalade; Chevrolet Camaro; Chevrolet Volt; GMC Sierra HD; GMC Sierra LD; and GMC Yukon. Toyota gets seven awards for the Lexus ES; Lexus GS; Lexus LS (tie); Lexus RX; Scion xB; Toyota Camry; and Toyota Sienna. Honda has six model-level awards for the Acura RDX; Honda CR-V; Honda Crosstour; Honda Element; Honda Fit; and Honda Ridgeline. MINI receives one model-level award for the MINI Cooper.

The 2014 Vehicle Dependability Study, fielded between October and December 2013, is based on responses from more than 41,000 original owners of 2011 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership.

BMW i8 Plug-In Hybrid Olympic Commercial

BMW officially launched its advertising campaign for the BMW i brand with the start of NBC's Sochi 2014 Olympic broadcast coverage featuring the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid, high-performance electric vehicle. "Hello Future" uses the words of Sir Arthur C. Clarke, inventor, futurist and co-author of the screenplay for the 1986 film 2001: A Space Odyssey, to offer the arrival of BMW i as proof that the future is as fantastic as he predicted.

2015 Chevrolet City Express Available To Deliver For You This Fall

Chevrolet’s all-new 2015 City Express, based on the Nissan NV200, comes i LS and LT trims and a 131 horsepower dual overhead cam 2.0L inline-four cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission driving the front wheels, offers 122.7 cubic feet of customizable cargo space, a tight turning diameter of only 36.7 feet and an estimated payload capacity of 1,500 pounds. There’s 6’10” of room from the rear doors to the back of the front seats and with the passenger seat folded, the length grows to 9’8”. A Technology package available on LT models includes a 5.8-inch diagonal touch screen, navigation, Sirius/XM Satellite Radio with a three-month trial period, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a USB input and a rearview camera system. The City Express goes on sale this Fall.

All-New 2015 Subaru Legacy Arrives This Summer

The all-new 2015 Subaru Legacy has nearly the same exterior footprint as the previous Legacy but with a roomier passenger cabin and a choice of a 175 horsepower double-overhead-cam FB series 4-cylinder 2.5-liter BOXER engine and a 256 horsepower 3.6-liter 6-cylinder BOXER engine. Both engines are mated to a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The 2015 Legacy 2.5i has estimated ratings of 26 mpg city / 36 mpg highway / 30 mpg combined, and the 6-cylinder model has estimated ratings of 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 23 combined.

The 4-cylinder 2.5i model is available in Standard, Premium and Limited trim lines, accompanied by the top-of-line 6-cylinder 3.6R Limited. A new rear radar system, which is standard on the 2015 Legacy 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited and available for the 2.5i Premium, introduces the brand’s next step toward full-perimeter preventive safety. The rear radar system offersBlind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The EyeSight® driver-assist system option for Premium and Limited trim models, integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. EyeSight, which uses Subaru-developed stereo camera technology. The new 2015 Legacy arrives in Subaru dealerships this Summer.

2015 BMW X3 Starts At $39,325 For RWD Model This Spring

The 2015 BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle®, the third generation X3, will offer a rear-wheel drive BMW X3 sDrive28i for the US market with a starting price of $39,325 and an Advanced Diesel X3 xDrive28d with a 180 horsepower 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission starting at $42,825. The X3 xDrive28i (with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive) has a 240 horsepower 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine will have an MSRP of $40,725, while the top-of-the-line X3 xDrive35i with a 300 horsepower 3.0-liter six-cylinder in-line engine will have an MSRP of $45,825 (All prices include $925 Destination & Handling fee). On the new BMW X3, a Sport Automatic transmission option with shift paddles is also available in conjunction with M Sport. The new BMW X3 will go on sale this Spring.

Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner and Nissan Versa Note SR Debut

The Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner, based on the Frontier Desert Runner 4x2 model, will have a nearly 200 horsepower 2.8-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine. It arrives six months after the announcement of a partnership with Cummins to provide a 5.0-liter turbo diesel V8 in the next-generation Titan full-size pickup, which will arrive in calendar year 2015.

The Nissan Versa Note SR part of the second-generation Versa Note lineup,has a 109 horsepower 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with dual fuel injection and Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable Timing Control) mated to a standard next-generation Nissan Xtronic transmission with an estimated at 40 mpg highway, 31 mpg city and 35 mpg combined. The Versa Note SR along with the Versa Note SL go on sale this spring at Nissan dealers nationwide,

2014 Kia Optima Hybrid Gets Up To 40 MPG

The 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid mid-size sedan, available in LX and EX trims, has a 47 horsepower electric traction motor, a Hybrid Starter Generator and a 47 kW lithium polymer battery with a combined gas-electric 199 horsepower rating and combined 235 lb.-ft. of torque giving the LX model an EPA estimated 36 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 38 mpg combined and the the EX model an EPA estimated 35/39/37.

2015 Kia Soul EV With 80-100 Mile Range in Third Quarter

The 2015 Kia Soul EV, scheduled to go on sale in the third quarter of 2014, utilizing a highly energy-dense 27kWh, air-cooled, 200 watt-hour/kg 360 volt 96-cell lithium-ion polymer battery is expected to yield a range of approximately 80-100 miles of real-world driving on a full charge, with internal testing and evaluation results exceeding 100 miles in some instances. Recharging times vary from 24 hours for a fully depleted battery using a standard 120-volt outlet and under five hours when plugged into a 240-volt outlet.  An 80-percent charge can be achieved in as little as 33 minutes with a 50 kW-output charger. The Soul EV, Kia’s first all-electric, zero-emissions car sold in the U.S., will initially be sold in California and Oregon in the West and several Eastern states including New York, New Jersey and Maryland, the regions with the largest EV markets and infrastructure.

Consumer Reports' Annual Car-Brand Perception Survey

Consumer Reports survey ranks the seven key factors by how important they are to consumers when buying a new car. The percentage is based on the number of respondents who said the factor was among their top three priorities:  Quality (90%), Safety (88%), Performance (83%), Value (82%), Fuel economy (81%), Design/Style (70%), and Technology/Innovation (68%).

The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted a random, nationwide telephone survey of 1,578 adults from Dec. 6-15, 2013, and collected survey data from 1,764 adults in households that had at least one car.

For more: subscribe to Consumer Reports

2014 Honda Civic Hybrid and Natural Gas On Sale Tomorrow

The 2014 Honda Civic Hybrid with an EPA rating of 44/47/45 city/highway/combined starts at $25,425 (including $790 destination charge) and the 2014 Civic Natural Gas with a combined EPA rating of 31 mpg on a gas equivalent basis starts at $27,430 when they go on sale tomorrow.

The new Civics have a new Display Audio with 7-inch touchscreen that allows users to pinch, swipe and tap just like a smartphone to access audio, phonebook, media, vehicle information and available navigation features. The touchscreen display is also the interface for the next-generation HondaLink™, an application-based platform that allows a seamless integration between a user's smartphone and the car, providing access to online and cloud-based content and information both inside and outside the car.

Standard on both models is the Expanded View Driver's Mirror that, together with the available LaneWatch™ display. Also, Smart Entry with Push Button Start comes standard on the Civic Hybrid, allowing for entry and engine starting without turning an ignition key.

Ford Fusion Hybrid Super Bowl Commercial Is About The Car

Nearly Double, the Ford Super Bowl commercial with Rob Riggle and James Franco was about the car, the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and about it's top feature, miles per gallon that are double the average vehicle. My friends who own the Fusion Hybrid, love to brag about the great mileage and the value of the vehicle.

2015 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Starts At $41,225 This Summer

The new 2015 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe with four doors has the same length, width, wheelbase and track with the two-door version while the roofline is 4.4 inches longer sloping to the rear of the vehicle. The new 2015 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe comes with with the 240 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the BMW 428i Gran Coupe starting at $41,225 and the 300 horsepower 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine in the BMW 435i Gran Coupe starting at $43,225 with both mated to the standard eight-speed sport Steptronic transmission and featuring the Auto Start Stop function. At model launch, the BMW 428i Gran Coupe can be optionally equipped with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive technology and the top-of-the-line 435i Gran Coupe priced at $46,725. Official U.S. EPA numbers are not available yet but the 428i Gran Coupe expected to be 23 mpg city/35 mpg highway/27 mpg combined, similar to 428i Coupe and the 435i Gran Coupe could come in at 23 mpg city/35 mpg highway/27 mpg combined, in line with the 435i Coupe.

The all-new 2015 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe arrives in US showrooms in early summer.

January 2014 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors delivered 171,486 vehicles in the United States in January 2014, down 12 percent from last year.

Ford Motor Company January sales of 154,644 total vehicles are down 7 percent from a year ago, while retail sales of 113,721 vehicles are off 5 percent.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported January 2014 sales results of 146,365, a decrease of 7.2 percent from January 2013. Toyota division posted January 2014 sales of 128,728, down 9 percent while Lexus reported January sales of 17,637, up 8.8 percent over 2013.

Chrysler reported U.S. sales of 127,183, an 8 percent increase compared with sales in January 2013 and the group’s best January sales since 2008.

American Honda reported January 2014 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 91,631, a decrease of 2.1 percent vs. the same period last year amid record cold weather that affected industry sales in many parts of the U.S. The Honda Division recorded sales of 80,808, while the Acura Division sales of 10,823 for the month was up up 14.1 percent from a year ago.

Nissan announced total U.S. sales for January 2014 of 90,470, an increase of 11.8 percent compared to last year.

Hyundai Motor America reported its best January in company history, selling 44,005 for the month, up less than one percent versus the same period last year.

Kia Motors America reported record January sales of 37,011 vehicles up 2 percent from January 2013.

Subaru of America announced record January sales of 33,000 vehicles, a 19 percent increase over January 2013.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 23,494 in January, a 19 percent decline from 2013. Separately, Audi reported January 2014 sales of 10,101 vehicles, a 0.4 percent increase over the previous January record set last year.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported the highest January retail volumes in its history with sales of 24,413 across the Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart model lines, a 1.5 percent increase from the same month last year. The Mercedes-Benz brand alone achieved its best-ever January with sales of 22,604. Gains were made across the MBUSA brand portfolio as Sprinter Vans advanced 19.6 percent to 1,288 and smart increased 8.3 percent to 521.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported January sales of 20,796 vehicles, an increase of 3 percent from the same month a year ago.

Mazda North American Operations reported January U.S. sales of 18,813 vehicles, representing a decrease of 11.8 percent versus last year.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported January sales of 4,867, up 4.5 percent compared to January 2013.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 3,792.

Porsche Cars North America announced January 2014 sales of 3,096 vehicles, eight percent below a strong January 2013 when 3,358 units were sold.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

All-New 2015 Chrysler 200 Featured In Super Bowl TV Commercial

Fiat Chrysler's third Super Bowl commercial, the two-minute “America’s Import” for the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 came late in the 3rd quarter after the Seattle Seahawks scored a touchdown making it 36-0. It has legendary American musician/singer/songwriter Bob Dylan narrating.

Jeep Super Bowl Commercial Features All-New Cherokee

Jeep Super Bowl halftime show commercial, Restlessness, features the all-new Jeep Cherokee with a standard 9-speed automatic transmission that delivers up to 31 mpg hwy. It is an IIHS Top Safety Pick with available advanced safety features like blind spot detection. It was one of three from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.