2015 Mercedes-AMG C63 Starts At $64,825 This Month

The 2015 Mercedes-AMG C63 and C63 S sedans have starting MSRPs of $64,825 (including $925 destination/delivery charge) for the C63 sedan with a 469 horsepower V8 bi-turbo engine and $72,825 for the 503 horsepower C63 S sedan when they launch this month.

March 2015 U.S. Car Sales

General Motors' Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac dealers in the United States delivered 249,875 vehicles in March 2015, down 2.4 percent year over year. Fleet deliveries were up 5 percent and retail deliveries declined 5 percent. Year-to-date GM sales of 182,710 is a 5 percent decline.

Ford Motor Company posted overall sales of 235,929 vehicles, down 3.4 percent. Year-to-date Ford sales of 594,663 is a 2 percent gain over last year. Lincoln division sales 8,695 was down 3.1 percent and year-to-date sales of 21,478 was a 0.6 percent decline.

Toyota Motor Sales reported March 2015 sales of 225,959, an increase of 4.9 percent from March 2014. Toyota division posted March 2015 sales of 194,905, up 4.4 percent and Lexus set a new March sales record of 31,054, up 8.6 percent from March. Year-to-date sales of 575,620 is a 10.5 percent rise over 2014.

FCA US (Chrysler, Jeep®, Ram Truck, Dodge, Fiat) reported U.S. sales of 197,261, a 2 percent increase compared with sales in March 2014, the group’s best March sales since 2007. Year-to-date sales of 505,854 is a 6 percent increase.

Nissan total U.S. sales for March 2015 of 145,085, a 2.7 percent drop from 2014. Nissan division March sales of 132,560 was down 3 percent from a year ago while Infiniti March sales were 12,525, up 0.2 percent over 2014. Year-to-date total sales of 367,628 is a 3.6 percent rise over a year ago.

American Honda reported March 2015 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 126,293, a decrease of 5.3 percent versus March 2014. The Honda Division sold 111,623 vehicles in March, a decrease of 5.2 percent for the month. The Acura brand posted sales of 14,670, down 5.8 percent over the same period last year. Year-to-date total sales of 333,943 is a 2.6 percent gain over last year.

Hyundai Motor America reported its best month ever, selling 75,019 vehicles, up 12 percent versus the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 172,029 is a 7.5 percent increase over 2014.

Kia Motors America reported record March sales of 58,771 vehicles, up 7.3 percent over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 141,100 is a 6.1 percent gain over 2014.

Subaru of America reported record sales for March 2015 totaling 49,111 vehicles, a 10.4 percent gain over March 2014. Year-to-date sales of 131,281 is a 16.8 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported March sales of 40,139 vehicles, an increase of 12.2 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 91,269 for the group is a 12.6 percent increase over last year. BMW brand vehicle sales increased 6.9 percent in March for a total of 34,310 compared to March 2014.

Mazda North American Operations reported March U.S. sales of 32,123 vehicles, representing a decrease of 8.0 percent versus last year. Through March, Mazda has sold 78,044 vehicles year-to-date, a 1.3 percent decline from last year.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 30,025 in March 2015, down 18.2 percent from 2014 and year-to-date sales of 79,239 is a 9.3 percent slide from a year ago. Separately, Audi of America reported that its March 2015 sales increased 20 percent to 17,102 vehicles, the second-best month in U.S. sales. Through the first quarter of 2015, Audi U.S. sales rose 13.8 percent from last year to 40,098 vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz reported best-ever March sales of 29,921, increasing 9.2 percent from the same month last year. Retail volumes for Sprinter Vans climbed 24.2 percent to 2,379, combining with 583 units at smart for a March total of 32,883 for Mercedes-Benz USA. Year-to-date, Mercedes-Benz delivered 78,156 vehicles, up 7.6 percent. Adding 5,559 units for Sprinter and 1,533 units for smart, MBUSA achieved a record first-quarter close of 85,248.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported March 2015 vehicle sales of 9,764, an 8.5 percent sales increase from March 2014. Sales in the first quarter of 2015 are up 19.9 percent from the same period last year.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 5,916, steady compared to March 2014. Year-to-date sales are up 0.2 percent over the first quarter of 2014.

Porsche Cars North America announced March 2015 sales of 4,291 vehicles, a 12.7 gain over 2014. Year-to-date sales of 11,430 is 12.8 percent higher than the same period in 2014.

Sales will be updated a manufacturers report.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Starts At $25,735 This Summer

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata powered by a 155 horsepower 2.0-liter SKYACTIV engine will start at $25,735 (including $820 destination charge) in entry-level Sport trim. The 2016 MX-5 launches this summer and will be available in Sport, Club and Grand Touring trim levels. Mazda's fourth-generation flagship roadster is shorter than the first-generation MX-5 that came to the U.S. in 1989, yet wider than the outgoing model and with its engine lower and farther back in its chassis. The MX-5 has standard features that include a six-speed manual transmission, LED headlights, USB audio input, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, a leather-wrapped shift knob and power door locks.

Lincoln Continental Coming Next Year

Lincoln Continental Concept, an all-new full-size sedan coming next year with a new 3.0-liter V6 EcoBoost Engine and Lincoln Drive Control that offers a choice of normal, sport and comfort driving modes. Features include an SPD SmartGlass® tinting sunroof blocking 99 percent of UV rays, the premium audio Revel Ultima System, E-Latch door handles, Approach Detection that lights up the car inside and out to greet you, fully reclining rear seats when the empty front passenger seat is repositioned, a rear-seat tablet lap tray that deploys from the center console, interior ambient lighting, a champagne storage compartment, and Venetian leather first-class travel cases. The Concept will debut this week at the New York International Auto Show.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Offers Lots of Engine Choices

The new Mercedes-Benz GLE, formerly ML, is offered as the GLE350 and GLE350 4MATIC with a 302 horsepower V6 engine, the GLE400 4MATIC powered by a 329 horsepower direct-injection twin-turbo V6 engine, the GLE550e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid with the 329 horsepower V6 direct-injection gasoline engine combined with a 114 horsepower electric motor, the GLE300d with a 201 horsepower four-cylinder diesel engine, the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GLE63 4MATIC with a 550 horsepower 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and the GLE63 4MATIC S-model houses a 577 horsepower version of the V8 engine. The towing capacity of the GLE is up to 7700 lbs on non-diesel models.

2016 Range Rover Sport HST

2016 Range Rover Sport HST features a 380 horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine and a new Gesture Tailgate and Automatic Access Height.

Aston Martin Vulcan

Aston Martin Vulcan, a track only, front mid-engine rear-wheel drive sports car with an 800-plus horsepower 7.0-liter V12 engine.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu To Debut In New York, On Sale End Of The Year

The next-generation 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, using an entirely new architecture is expected to be 300 pounds lighter and sits on a wheelbase nearly four inches longer than the outgoing model increasing rear legroom and interior space. The 2016 Malibu with more efficiency, connectivity and advanced safety features will debut in early April at the New York International Auto Show and is expected to go on sale by the end of 2015.

BMW X5 xDrive40e Plug-in Hybrid

The BMW X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrid Sports Activity Vehicle, combines the 240 horsepower 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine with an 111 horsepower electric motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery, integrated into its 8-speed automatic transmission and goes approximately 13 miles on pure electric power. The BMW X5 xDrive40e goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds to an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. In all-electric drive mode the vehicle is capable of an electronically limited top speed of 75 mph. It takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to fully recharge an empty battery pack.

All of the optional extras for the BMW X5 range are available, with the exception of the third row of seats, the Adaptive M Suspension, Active Steering and comfort seats in the rear. The BMW X5 xDrive40e options include xLine and Luxury Line for the exterior and interior. The plug-in hybrid model can also be ordered with M Sport as well as the Ivory White and Mocha Interior Design Packages.

New BMW 6 Series Coupé, BMW 1 Series Urban Line, BMW M135i

The new BMW 6 Series Coupé (above)

The new BMW 1 Series Urban Line (above)

The BMW M135i (above)

2016 Nissan GT-R Starts At $103,365

The 2016 Nissan GT-R supercar, now on sale for $103,365 (including $1,595 destination and handling) for the 550 horsepower 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 engine GT-R Premium model, $113,105 for the 550 horsepower GT-R Black Edition and $151,585 for the 600 horsepower GT-R NISMO available in very limited numbers in North America.

All-New Kia Optima Will Make Another New York Debut

The all-new Kia Optima, the brand’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for three years running, will be revealed at New York International Auto Show April 1st, five years after it's 2010 New York debut.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse “La Finale” - SOLD OUT

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse “La Finale”, the fastest production supercar in the world with an 1,183 horsepower 8 liter 16-cylinder W configuration mid-engine with four turbochargers and mated to a dual-clutch transmission, is the last of the 450 Veyron supercars which began production in 2005.  It sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.6 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 255 mph. All of the planned 450 vehicles have now been sold: 300 coupés and 150 convertible super sports cars.

MINI Countryman Park Lane

The MINI Countryman Park Lane, an exclusive edition model of the brand with five seats including a sliding rear seat and a folding backrest with a 40:20:40 split, is offered in the 208 horsepower MINI Cooper Countryman, the 181 horsepower MINI Cooper S Countryman and the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 with all-wheel drive.

Infiniti Q60 and QX30 Concept Vehicles

Infiniti Q60 Concept, a two-door concept is 184.6 inches long with the next-generation 3.0-liter V6 engine with direct injection and twin-turbocharging.and hints at Infiniti's next sports coupe.

Infiniti QX30 Concept, the design vision that will inspire a new all-wheel drive premium compact crossover.

Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Coming In Late Spring

The permanent all-wheel drive Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce with a naturally aspirated 750 horsepower 6.5 liter V12 engine accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.8 seconds and powers on to reach a top speed of more than 217 mph and will have its market introduction in late this Spring for a price of more than $350,000.

Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 Concept

Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 concept high performance two seater sportscar.

Aston Martin DBX Concept

Aston Martin DBX Concept

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Starts At $21,395 In April

The Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, goes on sale in U.S. dealerships in April, starting at $21,395 (excluding transportation, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges) for the 1.8T S model with a 170-horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TSI® engine mated to a five-speed manual  manual transmission with an EPA estimated highway fuel economy of 36 mpg. The TDI Clean Diesel model is powered by the new 150 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection diesel engine, driving the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission. For the manual transmission model fuel economy is 43 mpg and for the automatic transmission model it's 42 mpg. At 179.6 inches long and 70.8 inches wide, the Golf SportWagen is 1.1 inches and 0.7 inches larger than the Jetta SportWagen.

The Golf SportWagen SE starts at $26,995, only available with the six-speed automatic transmission, Golf SportWagen 1.8T SEL, the top gasoline-powered SportWagen trim starts at $29,345. The base TDI S starts at $24,595 and offers a six-speed manual transmission. Golf SportWagen TDI SE starts at $27,995 with the DSG transmission an $1,100 option. Golf SportWagen TDI SEL starts at $30,345.

February 2015 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 231,378 vehicles last month, up 4 percent compared to a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 434,164, is 10.3 percent higher than a year ago.

Ford Motor Company U.S. sales totaled 180,383 vehicles in February, down 1.9 percent from a year ago. Year-to-date sales are 358,734, up 5.9 from 2014.

Toyota, Scion and Lexus reported total February 2015 sales results of 180,467, an increase of 13.3 percent from February 2014. Year-to-date sales for Toyota and Lexus is 349,661, a gain of 14.4 percent over 2014.

FCA US (Fiat Chrysler) reported U.S. sales of 163,586, a 6 percent increase compared with sales in February 2014 and the best February sales since 2007. Year-to-date sales of 308,593 is 9 percent higher than the first two months of 2014.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for February 2015 of 118,436 units, up 2.7 percent year-over-year and a February record. Year-to-date Nissan and Infiniti brand sales are 222,543, an 8.1 percent rise over a year ago.

American Honda reported February Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 105,466, an increase of 5.0 percent versus February 2014. The Honda Division sold 92,474 vehicles in February, an increase of 4.1 percent for the month. The Acura brand posted sales of 12,992 units in February, rising 12.5 percent over the same period last year.

Hyundai Motor America reported its best February ever, selling 52,505, up 7 percent versus the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 97,010, a 4.3 percent increase from 2014.

Kia Motors America reported February sales of 44,030 vehicles, up 6.8 percent over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 82,329, is a 5.2 percent gain over last year.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 25,710, down 5.2 percent from 2014, Year-to-date VW sales are 49,214, a decrease of 2.8 percent from last year. Separately, Audi reported that its February 2015 sales increased 5.3 percent to 11,455 vehicles. Through the first two months of 2015, Audi U.S. sales rose 9.6 percent from a year earlier to 22,996 vehicles.

Subaru of America reported record sales for February 2015 totaling 41,358 vehicles, an 18.5 percent gain over February 2014. Year-to-date sales of 82,170, a 21 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported February sales of 28,921, an increase of 18.2 percent from the same month a year ago. Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 14.5 percent in February for a total of 25,201 compared to February, 2014.

Mercedes-Benz reported the highest February sales in its history with 23,616, up 4.5 percent from February 2014. Sprinter Vans was up 17.9 percent at 1,675, combining with 458 units at smart for a monthly total of 25,749 for Mercedes-Benz USA. On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes-Benz recorded sales of 48,235, an increase of 6.7 percent versus the same period last year. Adding 3,180 units for Sprinter and 950 vehicles at smart, MBUSA's year-to-date sales volume totaled 52,365.

Mazda North American Operations reported February U.S. sales of 25,650 vehicles, representing an increase of 5.4 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through February are up 6.4 percent versus last year, with 45,921 vehicles sold.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported February 2015 vehicle sales of 7,533, a 26 percent sales increase from February 2014. Year-to-date sales are up 29.3 percent from the same period last year.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported February 2015 U.S. sales for both brands of 6,327, a 14 percent increase from February 2014 bringing year-to-date sales up 11 percent from 2014. Land Rover February sales reached 4,917, up 23 percent from February 2014 while Jaguar sales were 1,410, down 9 percent from February 2014.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 4,012, a 0.5 percent increase versus February 2014. Year-to-date sales are up 0.3 percent over the first two months of 2014.

Porsche Cars North America announced February 2015 sales of 3,202, down 30 units compared to February 2014. Vehicle supply was adversely affected by the west coast port dispute and inclement weather in many areas. PCNA sales remain 12.8 percent higher year-to-date compared to the same period last year.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

BMW Performance Center West - Thermal, California

BMW has a new Performance Center West located near La Quinta, California, that offers the full complement of driver training courses similar to the BMW Performance center at the Spartanburg factory in South Carolina which opened in 1999 and has hosted nearly 130,000 drivers. The BMW performance driver training facility occupies 32 acres on the grounds of the The Thermal Club, a private motorsports club that is selling large "garage villas" for car racing enthusiasts who want quick access to 5.5 miles of road racing circuits. When finished, the BMW Performance Center West will have a dedicated 1.4 mile road course, 6.2 acres of paddock, a skid pad and an 8,500 square foot Performance Facility. BMW launched driver training in Germany in 1977.

I challenged the BMW M3 and M4 (above) with acceleration, cornering and braking through a coned autocross course clocking times around 35 seconds per lap. 

BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer Can Carry 7 People

The BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer offers five newly developed turbocharged engines producing from 116 to 192 horsepower and can accommodate up to seven people across three rows of seats, in addition to a generously sized and variable-use luggage compartment. BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer will debut in Geneva next week.

J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study For 2012 Models

The J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study finds that bluetooth connectivity and voice recognition issues are the most frequently reported problems after three years of ownership. The study examines problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of 2012 model-year vehicles. Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality. The study covers 177 specific problem symptoms grouped into eight major vehicle categories.

For more information visit JDPA.com

McLaren 675LT Will Debut In Geneva Next Week

The McLaren 675LT (‘Longtail’) is track-focused and road legal in the McLaren Super Series with a 666 horsepower 3.8-liter Twin Turbo V8 engine mated to a 7 Speed SSG transmission. The sprint from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes just 2.9 seconds and 0-200 km/h (0-124 mph) clocks at 7.9 seconds en route to a top speed of 205 mph.

Consumer Reports Top 10 Vehicles For 2015 - 3 From Subaru

Consumer Reports Top 10 vehicles for 2015 must rank at or near the top of its class overall performance road-test score, an average or better predicted reliability rating, based on problems reported by subscribers who rated 1.1 million vehicles in Consumer Reports’ latest Annual Auto Survey and must perform effectively if included in crash or rollover tests conducted by the government or insurance industry.

Best overall: Tesla Model S
Compact car: Subaru Impreza
Midsized sedan: Subaru Legacy
Large car: Chevrolet Impala
Luxury car: Audi A6
Green car: Toyota Prius
Sports sedan: Buick Regal
Minivan: Honda Odyssey
Small SUV: Subaru Forester
Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander

Top Brands
1. Lexus
2. Mazda
3. Toyota
4. Audi
5. Subaru

2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV All-Electric Vehicle Coming In Late March

The 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric vehicle will arrive across the United States in late March with a starting MSRP of $22,995 (excluding destination/handling, tax, title, license etc.) and after a Federal tax credit of $7,500, the net starting MSRP is $15,495 (taxpayer must incur federal tax liability to receive full benefit).

The 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV comes equipped with heated driver and front passenger seats, remote keyless entry, heated side mirrors, a fully-transferable 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty for the lithium-ion main drive battery pack and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. A new Navigation Package is available that includes an MMCS navigation system with 7-in. touchscreen display, real-time traffic, 3D mapping and Mapcare®, Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, USB port and rear view camera.

Infiniti QX30 Concept Debuts Next Week

Infiniti QX30 Concept crossover with carbon fiber in the lower cladding and roofbar supports, will have its world premiere at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show next week.

Mercedes-Maybach 600 S Pullman Limo Starts Around $567,000

The Mercedes-Maybach 600 S Pullman, Mercedes-Maybach's second model, is 21.3 feet long, 3.5 feet longer than the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and powered by a 523 horsepower V12 biturbo engine. The owner and VIP guests are seated in the direction of travel on two executive seats which are part of the standard specification while other passengers can sit on the fold-down seats facing backwards. If specifically requested, the Pullman can also be delivered in an exclusive version without the additional seats. The price for unarmoured models start at around $566,922.

2016 Lotus Evora 400 Coming This Fall

The new Lotus Evora 400, almost 50 pounds lighter and faster than the previous model, gets a new supercharged and charge-cooled mid-mounted 400 horsepower 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 302 ft. lbs. of torque with 0-60 mph acceleration of 4.1 seconds to a maximum speed of 186 mph. The new Lotus Evora 400 will enter production for European markets this summer with deliveries starting in August. North American markets will receive the 2016 Evora 400 in the Fall.

Thank You Mr. K - 80 Years In The Car Business and My Z

The father of the Datsun Z, Yutaka Katayama - Mr. ‘K’ - passed away on Feb. 20 at the age of 105. Katayama joined the company in 1935, built the Datsun brand from scratch, ran Nissan’s U.S. operations in the 1970s and retired from Nissan in 1977. I had my 1978 Datsun 280Z (above) for 10 years and that car generated lifelong relationships, stories and speeding tickets.

Mr. K (left) made one of the first color films of a Datsun on Japanese roads and later filmed motor sport races across the globe. He was a victorious team manager as two Datsun 210s were entered in a grueling rally circumnavigating the Australian continent catapulting the brand into worldwide renown and setting the stage for Datsun exports. He put together the key concepts for the Z-car and was inducted into the American Automotive Hall of Fame in 1998.

2016 Toyota Avalon Coming This Fall

2016 Toyota Avalon with V6 power is refreshed for its fourth-generation providing a choice of XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Limited and Touring trim levels. Hybrid customers can choose from three separate grades, adding luxury features and technology options as they move up from XLE Plus to XLE Premium and Limited grades. One retuned suspension prioritizes a comfortable ride for the XLE through Limited grades and the other, provides a more dynamic and responsive driving experience for the Touring grade. The 2016 Toyota Avalon will go on sale later this Fall.

2016 Hyundai Elantra GT Coming Next Month For $19,625

The 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT, with updated styling and customer-focused technology, comes standard with a 173 horsepower 2.0-liter Nu engine mated to the choice of either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual shift control and delivers an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway/27 mpg. 2016 Elantra GT pricing will start at just $19,625 (including $825 freight charge), and will be available in dealerships starting this March.

2016 Acura RDX Is Refreshed - Coming This Spring

2016 Acura RDX luxury sport-utility is newly refreshed with Jewel Eye™ LED projector headlamps and LED taillights, a new, more powerful 279 horsepower 3.5-liter i-VTEC® V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management  cylinder deactivation technology, an expanded list of AcuraWatch™ safety and driver-assistive technologies, and a host of new luxury features and technologies, including a new line-topping RDX with Advance Package adding rain-sensing wipers, front fog lights, Bi-Directional Keyless remote engine start, front and rear parking sensors, ventilated front seats, an auto-dimming driver's side mirror, and AcuraWatch™ advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies including Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System™ and Lane Keeping Assist, along with a standard Multi-View Rear Camera and Expanded View driver's side mirror. There's a new 4.2-inch full-color TFT Multi-Information Display with expanded, customizable information readouts such as average vehicle speed, fuel economy, fuel range, tire pressure monitoring system and turn-by-turn navigation. The 2016 RDX launches at Acura dealerships nationwide this Spring.

Kia Trail’ster e-AWD Concept

Kia Trail’ster e-AWD concept, based on the Soul urban passenger vehicle, is primarily powered by a 185 horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and matched to an electric all-wheel-drive system with a 1.2 kWh Lithium Ion Polymer battery powering a 27 kW, 270 volt AC synchronous permanent magnet electric motor outputting 35 horsepower and 100 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels and bringing total output to 220 horsepower and 285 pound-feet of torque.

Nissan 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept

The Nissan 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept has a 350 horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control and mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with Downshift Rev Matching, Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode with paddle shifters.

2016 Kia Rio Sedan Goes On Sale In First Quarter

The 2016 Kia Rio Sedan with new front and rear fascias comes in LX, EX, SX  trim levels and is powered by a 138 horsepower 1.6-liter normally aspirated inline-four cylinder engine mate to a six-speed manual transmission on the sedan and a six-speed automatic on the 5-Door.  The six-speed manual is no longer offered in the Rio 5-Door.  Both Sedan and 5-Door are expected to go on sale in the first quarter.

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Starts At $21,395 In April

The all-new Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, scheduled to hit dealer showrooms in April, comes with either a 170 horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TSI® engine mated to a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission or a 150 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel, fitted with a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 1.8T S model with manual transmission starts at $21,395 and the TDI® Clean Diesel model starts at $24,595, a reduction of almost $2,000 over the previous base TDI model price. The 1.8T model with manual transmission has an EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating of 36 mpg, while the TDI Clean Diesel model gets 43 highway mpg according to EPA estimates. Available only with the six-speed automatic transmission, the SE starts at $26,995 and the TSI SE, the top gasoline-powered SportWagen trim starts at $29,345. Golf SportWagen TDI SE starts at $27,995, and the Golf SportWagen TDI SEL starts at $30,345,

2016 Honda Pilot SUV Coming This Summer

The all-new 2016 Honda Pilot SUV, reengineered and redesigned with a new 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC® V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ cylinder deactivation technology and available Idle Stop technology that shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped. The engine is mated to either a 6-speed automatic transmission, or on upper trims, a 9-speed automatic transmission. Pilot will be available in front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations and will feature a completely new Honda all-wheel-drive system. The all-new 2016 Pilot, launching at Honda dealerships nationwide this summer, is the third generation of Honda's three-row midsize SUV.

2016 Chevrolet Equinox Coming This Fall

The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox with seating for five and all-wheel drive offered on LS, LT and LTZ models gets new styling with premium accents, new wheel designs and new available safety features, as well as a larger color touchscreen radio and a standard rear-vision camera for entry-level models and goes on sale this Fall. The standard Ecotec 2.4L direct-injected engine delivers an EPA-estimated 32 mpg on the highway (FWD models). A 301 horsepower direct-injected 3.6L V-6 is available with LT and LTZ models with a trailering capacity of up to 3,500 pounds.

2016 BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe Coming In June

The new 2016 BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe with a 600 horsepower 4.4 liter Bi-Turbo V-8 engine mated to the ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC 8-Speed Sport Automatic transmission is capable of a 0 – 60 mph acceleration time of 3.6 seconds and a maximum speed of 200 mph. The new BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe will become available to order starting in March with US deliveries slated to begin at BMW Centers in June. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

2016 Nissan Maxima In Super Bowl Ad To Debut In April

Next-generation 2016 Nissan Maxima sports sedan that made a cameo appearance at the end of the  "With Dad" Super Bowl XLIX commercial will make its official world debut at the New York International Auto Show in April. The Maxima adds the V-motion front end and "floating" roof introduced on the 2015 Nissan Murano crossover. The Maxima has come along way from my boxy 1986 Maxima that served me well for many years.

All-New Ford Focus RS Coming From Germany Later This Year

The all-new third generation high-performance Ford Focus RS will have an all-wheel drive system with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control based on twin electronically controlled clutch packs on each side of the rear drive unit and powered by a new all-aluminum 315-plus horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine mated to a six speed manual transmission. Increased output is generated by a new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with larger compressor that delivers significantly greater airflow, along with a much bigger intercooler to maximize charge density. The all-new Focus RS will be sold around the world, including the United States, and produced for all markets at Ford’s Saarlouis, Germany, manufacturing plant beginning late this year.

Porsche Cayman GT4 Arrives In July For $85,595

The Porsche Cayman GT4, based on the Cayman with components of the 911 GT3, is powered by a 385 horsepower 3.8-liter flat-six engine derived from the 911 Carrera S engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission with a zero to 60 mph acceleration of 4.2 seconds and a top track speed of 183 mph. Available options include the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system, full bucket seats made of carbon fiber composite, and a custom Sport Chrono Package featuring a Track Precision app. The Porsche Cayman GT4 celebrates its world premiere in early March at the Geneva International Auto Show and will arrive at U.S. dealers in July. The starting MSRP for the Cayman GT4 is $85,595 (including destination charge of $995).

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Gets Bigger Engine

The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 5-passenger crossover gets 20 more horsepower than the current 2.0 liter engine with a 168 horsepower 2.4-liter MIVEC 4-cylinder powerplant available in the 2.4 ES starting at $21,295 and 2.4 GT starting at $23,595.

January 2015 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 202,786 vehicles last month, up 18 percent compared to a year ago, for the best January sales in seven years. Retail sales were up 14 percent and fleet deliveries were up 32 percent.

Ford Motor Company posted sales of 178,351 vehicles, a 15 percent sales increase in the U.S. in January, with retail sales of 128,666 vehicles, a 13 percent increase, providing the best retail January results since 2004. Retail passenger car sales were up 6 percent, utilities saw a 10 percent increase, and trucks gained 23 percent.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported January 2015 sales of 169,194, an increase of 15.6 percent from January 2014 on a volume basis. Toyota division posted January 2015 sales of 146,063 units, up 13.5 percent. Lexus reported January 2015 sales of 23,131 units, a 31.2 percent increase.

FCA US (Fiat, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram) reported U.S. sales of 145,007, a 14 percent increase compared with sales in January 2014 for the group’s best January sales since 2007.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for January 2015 of 104,107, up 15.1 percent year-over-year and a January record. Nissan Division also set a January record with 94,449 sales, an increase of 15.9 percent. Infiniti reported sales of 9,658 vehicles in the U.S. during January, up 7.3 percent from a year ago.

American Honda reported a new January record on Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 102,184, an increase of 11.5 percent versus January 2014. The Honda brand set a January record of 90,202 vehicles, up 11.6 percent for the month. Acura posted sales of 11,982 in January, increasing 10.7 percent over the same period last year.

Hyundai Motor America reported its best January in company history, selling 44,505 for the month, up one percent versus the same period last year. This is the seventh consecutive year of increased sales during the month of January.

Kia Motors America’s  record-setting momentum carried into 2015 with best-ever January sales of 38,299 vehicles, up 3.5 percent over the same period last year.

Subaru of America reported 40,812 vehicle sales for January 2015, a 24 percent increase over January 2014. These results continue the company’s sales momentum from 2014 where Subaru achieved six consecutive years of record sales and exceeded 500,000 annual sales – a first in company history.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 23,504 units delivered in January 2015. Separately, Audi reported that its January 2015 sales increased 14.3 percent to 11,541 vehicles, a total that stands as the 49th consecutive month of record U.S. sales for the premium brand.

Mercedes-Benz reported a record January sales volume of 24,619, increasing 8.9 percent from January 2014. Adding 1,505 units for Sprinter Vans and 492 units at smart, MBUSA achieved its highest January to date with a grand total of 26,616 vehicles, up 9 percent from a year ago.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported January sales of 22,209 vehicles, an increase of 6.8 percent from the 20,796 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 4.0 percent in January for a total of 18,981 compared to January 2014. MINI USA reports 3,228 automobiles sold, an increase of 26.9 percent from the same month a year ago.

Mazda North American Operations reported January U.S. sales of 20,271 vehicles, representing an increase of 7.7 percent versus last year.

Jaguar Land Rover North America January U.S. sales for both brands hit 6,547, a 9 percent increase from January 2014. Land Rover January U.S. sales reached 5,281, up 13 percent from January 2014. Jaguar sales were 1,266, down 6 percent from January 2014.

Mitsubishi Motors North America had January 2015 vehicle sales of 6,493, a 33.4 percent sales increase from January 2014.

Porsche Cars North America announced January 2015 sales of 3,937 vehicles. PCNA kicked off the year successfully with record January sales, up 27.2 percent over January 2014.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 3,794, a 0.1 percent increase versus January 2014.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

2016 Fiat 500X Ad - Best Super Bowl Commercial

The all-new 2016 Fiat 500X crossover 60-second “The FIAT 500X Blue Pill” commercial was the best commercial during the Super Bowl. FCA also had “Wisdom” that commemorates Dodge’s first 100 years.

Toyota Camry and Lexus NX Super Bowl Commercials

The Lexus NX Turbo and hybrid compact SUVs are featured in a 30 second commercial called “Make Some Noise”.

Toyota will have two ads during the big game with the spot entitled “How Great I Am” slated to appear in the first quarter of the Super Bowl broadcast featuring new 2015 Toyota Camry with Team Toyota athlete, Paralympic medalist and Dancing with the Stars finalist Amy Purdy along with Muhammad Ali's speech made before his historic “Rumble in the Jungle” bout with George Foreman in 1974. It's part of the “One Bold Choice Leads to Another” campaign for the new 2015 Toyota Camry.

2016 Kia Sorento Featured In James Bond Style Super Bowl Ad

The 2016 Kia Sorento, redesigned and bigger with 290 horsepower and all-wheel drive, has former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan driving in “The Perfect Getaway Vehicle” commercial airing on NBC during Sunday's Super Bowl.