2016 Fiat 500X Arriving Now Offers Mopar Accessories

The all-new 2016 Fiat 500X, arriving now, will offer more than 100 Mopar accessories for additional cost to personalize the latest addition to the FIAT lineup in North America that include: 14 different exterior graphics packages; 18-inch wheels in three different and color options, with a fourth option available in July; racks and carriers for bikes, skis, snowboards, luggage and more; premium leather Katzkin seats; a GPS-enabled stolen vehicle recovery system; Mopar Web Wi-Fi service kit. The 2016 Fiat 500X offers two engine options, an available nine-speed transmission and an all-wheel drive system with a disconnecting rear axle for improved fuel efficiency. The Fiat 500X is available in five trim models and 12 exterior colors. The Fiat 500X was introduced last November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. 

2016 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, the sedan equivalent of the Golf GTI, with a 210 horsepower, 2.0-literTSI® turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder engine has new front fascia with a honeycomb grille and foglights, along with a new rear bumper design. A new standard feature is Automatic Post-Collision Braking system which applies the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors. The GLI SEL adds Blind Spot Detection with rear traffic alert, a navigation system, Bi-Xenon headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System, and Homelink®. The AFS system swivels the main headlight beams by up to 15 percent as the steering wheel is turned to help illuminate bends in the road more effectively at speeds of more than 6 mph.

2016 BMW 7 Series Starts At $82,250 This Fall

The all-new 2016 BMW 7 Series, in its sixth generation, is 190 pounds lighter with the extensive use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and will be introduced in the US this Fall as a long wheelbase version, more than one inch longer than its predecessor, with the 320 horsepower 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine in the 740i and a redesigned 445 horsepower 4.4 liter TwinPower Turbo engine in the 750i xDrive model. Both mated to an eight-speed Sport Automatic Steptronic transmission and featuring Gesture Control, Wireless Charging and the standalone option of the Display Key.

The iDrive system also works in conjunction with standard Gesture Control, which uses 3D sensors to capture pre-selected hand movements in the vicinity of the center console to adjust the audio volume control and accept or reject incoming phone calls.The 740e xDrive joins the BMW plug-in hybrid model lineup in 2016. The MSRP for the BMW 740i will be $82,250 and the BMW 750i xDrive will be $98,350 (prices include $950 Destination and Handling).

2016 Ford Transit Coming In September

The 2016 Ford Transit adds available SYNC 3, rearview camera and new customization options. The flexible-fuel vehicle system will be standard equipment on 2016 Transit Connect vans with 2.5-liter I-4 engines destined for non-California emissions states engineered to run on E85 (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline), unleaded gasoline or any blend of the two. A 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine is available on Transit Connect vans and Transit Connect Wagon XLT. The bucket seats are available as a no-charge option on the XLT long-wheelbase model, while a six-way power driver’s seat is available in cloth for the first time on XLT. 2016 Transit Connect vans will be available at Ford dealerships beginning in September.

2016 Audi Q3 Starts At $34,625 With More Standard Features

The 2016 Audi Q3, powered by a 200 horsepower 2.0-liter TFSI® four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed Tiptronic® transmission has redesigned front lights, grille, bumper, side sills and rear lights and standard front and rear parking sensors and rearview camera, starts at $34,625 (including $925 destination charges) for the Premium Plus FWD model, $36,725 for the Premium Plus quattro, $39,525 for the Prestige FWD and $41,625 for the Prestige quattro trim level. Combined city/highway EPA estimate is 23 mpg.

May 2015 U.S. Auto Sales

Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers in the United States delivered 293,097 vehicles in May 2015, for General Motors' best May sales since 2007 and its best month since August 2008. Total sales were up 3 percent year over year and retail sales were up 7 percent. General Motors year-to-date sales of 1,246,192 is a 4.9 percent increase over last year.

Ford Motor Company’s total U.S. sales of 250,813 vehicles for May declined 1 percent from a year ago. Retail sales of 171,535 vehicles decline 2 percent. Fleet sales of 79,278 vehicles are flat.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported May 2015 sales of 242,579, a decrease of 0.3 percent from May 2014. Year-to-date sales of 1,021,528, up 6 percent from last year. Toyota division posted May 2015 sales of 212,908, down 1.6 percent while Lexus sales of 29,671 is a 10.2 percent gain.

FCA US (Chrysler, Ram, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat) reported U.S. sales of 202,227, a 4 percent increase compared with sales in May 2014 for the group’s best May sales since 2005. Year-to-date sales are 194,868, up 9 percent over 2014.

American Honda reported May 2015 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 154,593, up 1.3 percent year-over-year. The Acura Division gaining 16.1 percent on sales of 17,042 vehicles in May and the Honda Division posting sales of 137,551 vehicles, a decrease of 0.3 percent for the month.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for May 2015 of 134,779, dow 0.8 percent from May 2014. Year-to-date sales of 612,255 is 2.9 percent higher than a year ago. Nissan Division finished May with 124,305, a 1 percent drop from 2014 while Infiniti May sales of 10,474 is a 0.9 percent rise.

Hyundai Motor America reported May sales of 63,610, down 10 percent compared with its record-setting month of May 2014. Year-to-date sales of 303,648 are up 2 percent for the year.

Kia Motors America announced all-time best monthly sales of 62,433 vehicles in May, up 3.9 percent over May 2014 and marking the second time Kia has surpassed 60,000 units in a single month. Year-to-date sales are 256,815, up 4.1 percent over last year.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 34,758 in May 2015, up 8.1 percent from a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 144,006 is a 4.2 percent decline from 2014. Separately, Audi reported May 2015 sales of 18,428 vehicles, an increase of 11 percent, the second-best month since the brand entered the U.S. market in 1970. Audi year-to-date sales of 75,353 is an 11.7 percent gain over last year.

Subaru of America reported record sales for May 2015 totaling 49,561 vehicles, a 12.2 percent gain over May 2014. Year-to-date sales of 228,083 vehicles is a 16 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported May sales of 36,836 vehicles, an increase of 4.3 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 160,533 is a 10 percent rise over 2014. Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 4.7 percent in May for a total of 31,003 compared to May, 2014 while MINI USA reports 5,833 automobiles sold, an increase of 1.8 percent from the same month a year ago.  

Mazda North American Operations reported May U.S. sales of 29,606 vehicles, a decrease of 0.4 percent versus last year. Through May, Mazda has sold 131,773 vehicles year-to-date, up 1.2 percent over 2014.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported best-ever May sales volumes for the Mercedes-Benz brand at 29,583, an 11.1 percent increase from May 2014. Sprinter sales totaled 2,769 for the month, up 22.3 percent, combining with 837 units at smart for a May total of 33,189 for MBUSA. Year-to-date, Mercedes-Benz delivered 136,926 units, climbing 9.4 percent from the same time last year. Adding 11,092 units at Sprinter (up 19.5 percent) and 2,850 units at smart, MBUSA posted a year-to-date grand total of 150,868, up 9 percent.

Mitsubishi Motors North America sold 9,575 vehicle in May, an increase of 31.7 percent and MMNA's best May sales total in the last seven years.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported May 2015 U.S. both brands of 6,586, a 13 percent increase from May 2014.  Land Rover sales reached 5,382, up 19 percent and Jaguar sales were 1,204, down 8 percent. Year-to-date in 2015, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales are up 17 percent from 2014.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 5,023, holding steady compared to May 2014. Year-to-date sales remain similar to last year.

Porsche Cars North America announced May 2015 sales of 4,268 vehicles, a 7.4 percent drop. Year-to-date sales are 20,915, up 11.1 percent over last year.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

2016 Lotus Evora 400 Arrives In December For $89,900

The new 2016 Lotus Evora 400 supercar will have a supercharged and charge-cooled mid-mounted 400 horsepower 3.5-litre V6 engine with 0-60 mph acceleration of 4.1 seconds to a maximum speed of 186 mph when it arrives to North America in December with a price tag of $89,900.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro Goes On Sale Later This Year

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, the sixth-generation Camaro, is 200 pounds lighter and has six all-new powertrain combinations, including a 275 horsepower 2.0L Turbo that gets more than 30 mpg on the highway (GM-estimated), an all-new 335 horsepower 3.6L V-6 and a 455 horsepower LT1 6.2L V-8. Each engine is available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. All Camaro models offer Brembo brakes which come standard on SS. An all-new Drive Mode Selector has Snow/Ice, Tour and Sport modes with Track settings on SS models. The Gen Six Camaro goes on sale later this year, offered in LT and SS models.

2016 Hyundai Elantra Arrives This Month Starting At $18,075

The 2016 Hyundai Elantra has a 145 horsepower 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine in the SE, Value Edition and Limited trims with a six-speed automatic transmission and when equipped with 15 or 16-inch wheels achieves an EPA estimated 28 city/38 highway/32 combined mpg. The Elantra Sport offers a 173 horsepower 2.0-liter Nu GDI engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission which achieves an EPA estimated 24 city/35 highway/28 combined mpg. For the 2016 model year, Elantra has a new Value Edition that bundles 16” alloy wheels, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, leather steering wheel and shift knob, proximity key w/ push button start, heated front seats, chrome beltline molding & aluminum entrance sills, side mirror turn signals and tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, for $1,000 in savings while Elantra Limited now comes standard with proximity key with push-button start and dual automatic temperature control for $600 in savings. The 2016 Elantra  arrives in dealerships this month with a starting MSRP of $18,075 (including $825 freight).

Volvo Cars To Have U.S.-Made Vehicles In 2018

Volvo Cars has chosen Berkeley County, outside of Charleston, South Carolina as the location of its first American factory, investing up to $500 Million in a facility with a capacity to initially produce up to 100,000 cars per year. Volvo Cars estimates that the factory will employ up to 2,000 people over the next decade and up to 4,000 people in the longer term. Construction will begin in early autumn 2015, with the first vehicles expected to roll off the assembly line in 2018, adding to the existing two plants in Europe and two in China. Volvo began importing cars to the US in 1955. From 1963 to 1998 Volvo assembled vehicles in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, so the South Carolina plant production beginning in 2018 marks Volvo's North American manufacturing return after a 20 year absence.

Porsche Experience Center and Headquarters Opens In Atlanta

Porsche Cars North America opened a new $100 million 27-acre Porsche Experience Center and headquarters at the Atlanta International Airport with a 1.6-mile driver development track, classic car gallery, restoration center, human performance center and driving simulator lab. An estimated 30,000 guests are expected to visit the Porsche Experience Center each year with visitors and corporate groups able to test their driving skills, reserve meeting space, view classic Porsche automobiles or dine at Restaurant 356, named after the first production Porsche model. It's Porsche's largest investment outside Germany with ultimately 450 employees.

New BMW 3 Series Sedan and Sports Wagon Include 340i and 330e

The new BMW 3 Series Sedan and Sports Wagon have an engine range of gasoline engines from 180-320 horsepower and a 180 horsepower diesel. The 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters is now standard on 328i, 328d and 340i models and a 6-speed manual transmission is available as a no-cost option on 320i, 328i, 340i and 340i xDrive models. The all new BMW 340i has a 320 horsepower inline 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine equipped with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission accelerating from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds while the BMW 340i xDrive model takes just 4.6 seconds. The BMW 330e, capable of travelling up to 22 miles in all-electric mode, will be powered by a plug-in hybrid drive system with a combined output of around 250 horsepower and a 0–60 mph acceleration time of approximately 6.1 (preliminary) and a top speed of 140 mph (preliminary).

The new Halogen Headlight design is now available with LED daytime running lights and new for the 3 Series, full LED headlights (standard on 340i models). The Track Handling Package, available on the gasoline engine models only, consists of Variable Sport Steering, Adaptive M Suspension and M Sport Brakes with high temperature Euro brake pads mounted to blue calipers.

2016 Toyota Mirai Coming To California In October

2016 Toyota Mirai, a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, will be available at select Toyota California dealerships in October with orders starting this summer. Mirai U.S. sales volume is planned for approximately 3,000 units through 2017.

2016 Audi TT Coupe Starts At $42,900, Roadster At $46,400

2016 Audi TT Roadster - European Model

The all-new, third generation 2016 Audi TT model line starts at $42,900 (excluding destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges) for the TT Coupe 2.0 TFSI with a 220 horsepower 2.0L TFSI® engine mated to a six-speed dual clutch S tronic® transmission and the Roadster with the same engine starts at $46,400. The Audi TTS Coupe with a 292 horsepower 2.0L TFSI engine starts at $51,900. The TT will be available as coupe and roadster, and the TTS will be available as a coupe only and all models offer standard Audi drive select and quattro® permanent all-wheel drive. The available Technology package includes Audi MMI navigation plus, Audi connect® with online services, Auto-dimming / power-folding heated exterior mirrors, Parking system plus (front / rear acoustic sensors) with rearview camera, and Audi side assist. Production for the Launch Edition TTS will be limited to 75 units.

Audi R8, A3 Cabriolet, TTS On Screen In “Avengers: Age of Ultron”

Audi has an auto-brand promotional exclusive with “Avengers: Age of Ultron” that features Iron Man Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) back in an Audi R8 while other scenes show off an Audi A3 Cabriolet and the new Audi TTS. Audi is going along for the ride with “Avengers: Age of Ultron” which captured $191.3 million, the second-biggest domestic opening weekend box office gross ever, and so far worldwide has tallied $631.1 million since April 22.

2016 Chevrolet Volt Starts At $33,995 Before Rebates

The 2016 Chevrolet Volt will start at $33,995 MSRP (including $825 destination fee & excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees), almost $1,200 less than the current-generation Volt. Pricing will be as low as $26,495 after the full federal tax credit of $7,500. (Federal tax credit can range from $0 up to $7,500.) In California, the vehicle’s largest market, residents of the state will be able to purchase the all-new Volt for as low as $24,995 after state and federal incentives.

The new Volt will offer a GM-estimated 50 miles of all-electric driving range on a single charge, a 31-percent improvement over the first-generation Volt so Volt owners who charge regularly can expect to drive an estimated 1,000 miles or more between fill-ups, based on GM testing. The 2016 Volt will provide owners with fuel economy of a GM-estimated 102 MPGe (electric) and 41 combined mpg on gasoline power.

2016 Cadillac CTS-V Starts At $84,990 Late This Summer

The next-generation 2016 Cadillac CTS-V, equipped with a 640 horsepower 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with full manual control via steering wheel paddles, launches in late summer priced from $84,990 (including $995 destination charge). The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V has a top speed of 200 mph and 0-60 performance of 3.7 seconds. The smaller ATS-V coupe and sedan with a 464 horsepower Twin Turbo V-6 engine launch first in late spring priced from $61,460 and boasts 0-60 acceleration of just 3.9 seconds.

2016 Jaguar XE Coming To U.S. Next Year

The 2016 Jaguar XE, with a 340 horsepower supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shift controls accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds with an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph, goes on sale in 2015 in global markets and in 2016 in the United States and Canada.

April 2015 U.S. Vehicle Sales

General Motors' Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers in the United States delivered 269,056 vehicles in April 2015, up 5.9 percent year over year. Retail deliveries were up 5 percent, fleet deliveries were up 8 percent and commercial sales were the highest since March 2008. Year-to-date sales of 953,095 is a 5.5 percent increase of 2014.

Ford Motor Company total U.S. sales in April were 222,498 vehicles sold, a 5 percent increase and its best April retail sales in nine years. Year-to-date sales of 817,161 is a 2.9 percent gain over 2014.

Toyota, Scion and Lexus reported total April 2015 sales results of 203,329, an increase of 1.8 percent from April 2014. Year-to-date sales of 778,949 is an 8.1 percent gain over 2014. Lexus posted sales of 25,876, up 11.7 percent from April 2014.

FCA US (Chrysler, Jeep®, Ram Truck, Dodge, Fiat & Alfa) reported U.S. sales of 189,027, a 6 percent increase compared with sales in April 2014 and the group’s best April sales since 2007. Year-to-date sales of 694,881 is also a 6 percent gain over last year.

American Honda Motor reported April 2015 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 130,068, down 1.8 percent versus a strong April 2014. Year-to-date sales of 464,011 is a 1.4 percent rise over 2014. Honda Division posted sales of 115,194 vehicles in April, a decrease of 2.7 percent for the month, and the Acura Division gained 5.3 percent on sales of 14,874 vehicles in the same period.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for April 2015 of 109,848, an increase of 5.7 percent over the prior year and an April record. Year-to-date sales of 477,476, up 4 percent over a year ago.

Hyundai Motor America reported its best April ever, selling 68,009, a 3 percent increase compared with sales in April 2014 and year-to-date sales of 240,038 is a 6 percent gain from the same period last year.

Kia Motors America April sales of 53,282 vehicles is a 0.7 percent drop from 2014 , Year-to-date sales are 194,382, up 4.1 percent from a year ago.

Subaru of America reported record sales for April 2015 totaling 47,241 vehicles, an 18 percent gain over April 2014, the 14th consecutive month of 40,000+ vehicle sales. Year-to-date sales of 178,522 is a 17.9 percent gain over the same period in 2014. Year-to-date sales of 178,522 is up 17.1 percent over last year.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 30,009 in April 2015, a 2.7 percent drop from a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 109,248 is a 7.5 percent decline. Separately, Audi reported April 2015 sales of 16,827 vehicles, a 7.5 percent increase and the brand's 52nd straight month of record U.S. sales. Year-to-date Audi sales are 56,925, up 11.9 percent.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported record April sales for the Mercedes-Benz brand with 29,188, up 12.8 percent from  the same month last year. Sprinter posted a gain of 15.5 percent to 2,764 vehicles in April, combining with 480 units at smart for a monthly total of 32,432 for MBUSA. On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes-Benz sold 107,344 vehicles, increasing 9 percent. Adding 8,323 at Sprinter (up 18.6%) and 2,013 at smart, the company's year-to-date grand total hit 117,680.

BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported April sales of 32,428 vehicles, an increase of 9.6 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 123,697 is an 11.8 percent rise over last year. Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 6.9 percent in April for a total of 26,952 compared to April, 2014.

Mazda North American Operations reported April U.S. sales of 24,123 vehicles, representing an increase of 7.5 percent versus last year. Through April, Mazda has sold 102,167 vehicles, up 1.7 percent year-to-date.

Mitsubishi Motors North America April 2015 vehicle sales of 8,216 was a 25.6 percent sales increase from April 2014 for the best April sales total in the last seven years. Year-to-date sales are 32,006, up 21.3 percent from last year.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported April 2015 U.S. sales for both brands of 6,390, a 15 percent increase from April 2014.  Land Rover sales reached 5,311, up 17 percent and Jaguar sales were 1,079, up 4 percent from April 2014. Year-to-date in 2015, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales are up 19 percent from 2014.

Porsche Cars North America announced April 2015 sales of 5,217 vehicles, up 28 percent compared to April 2014. Year-to-date sales of 16,647 is a 17.2 increase from last year's first four months.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 4,636, holding steady compared to April 2014. Year-to-date sales remain similar to last year.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Video: Tesla Motors Board Member Kimbal Musk

Tesla Motors Board Member Kimbal Musk, brother of Elon Musk, discusses Tesla Motors news at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills where he sat on a panel providing insight into impact investing. Kimbal is Chef and Co-Founder of The Kitchen, with restaurants in Colorado. In addition, to Tesla, he is also on the board of SpaceX and Chipotle Mexican Grill.

2016 Subaru WRX Starts At $27,390 This Summer

The 2016 Subaru WRX with a 268 horsepower 2.0-liter direct injection turbo BOXER engine and standard Symmetrical All Wheel Drive comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and offers an optional performance automatic transmission, the Sport Lineartronic™ with manual mode with a starting MSRP of $27,390 (including $795 destination & delivery). For the WRX Premium with 6-speed manual transmission, the upgraded Subaru STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Navigation system comes in a $2,100 package that also includes the harman/kardon amplifier and 9-speaker premium sound system. The top-of-line Limited trim, starting at $31,190, has leather-trimmed upholstery, an 8-way power driver’s seat and Welcome Lighting.

The 2016 Subaru WRX STI with a 305 horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged/intercooled BOXER engine has a starting MSRP of $35,490 (including $795 destination & delivery). For the 2016 WRX STI Limited trim, a low-profile trunk spoiler is now available as a no-cost option in place of the standard large signature wing. The standard trim STI can be upgraded with a Navigation option packaged with the harman/kardon amplifier and 9-speaker premium sound system along with Keyless Access and Push Button Start with PIN Code Access for $2,600. A rear vision camera is standard on all trims. The 2016 WRX models have safety features including Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. In addition, new STARLINK™ touch screen infotainment systems offer a significantly enhanced user experience in all models. The 2016 models will arrive at Subaru dealerships this summer.

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Leading The Brand Back

The new 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander seven-passenger crossover, boasting over 100 engineering and design improvements, is powered by a 166 horsepower 2.4L MIVEC SOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder engine mated to the new generation continuously-variable transmission offered in the two wheel drive ES and AWD SE, SEL trims. The GT model has a 224 horsepower 3.0L MIVEC SOHC 24-valve V6 engine. The new 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander has increased body and suspension structural rigidity, redesigned suspension and Electric Power Steering, noise-isolating windshield and rear door glass, more sound insulation, new dynamic front suspension and rear differential dampers, improved weather stripping and engine compartment trim and a 6 speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system. Mitsubishi’s advanced safety systems including Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control are now available for the SEL and GT Models. Mitsubishi offers a fully transferable 5-year/60,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty, a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, a 7-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion perforation limited warranty and a 5-year/unlimited mile roadside assistance.

2016 smart fortwo Coming In September

The all-new 2016 smart fortwo with the length unchanged at 8.8 feet and a 3.9 inch wider track powered by an 89 horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder engine mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or the twinamic automatic dual clutch transmission, launched in Europe in November 2014, will arrive in U.S. dealerships September. The smart fortwo comes with 8 airbags as standard and standard-fit crosswind assist, active from 50 mph when driving straight ahead and in gentle bends, is able to defuse dangerous gusty winds by carrying out specific braking intervention when the vehicle threatens to drift off track. The entry-level pure version has LED daytime driving lights, central locking with radio remote control, cruise control, multifunction steering wheel, smart radio with CD-Player, Bluetooth (handsfree/audio streaming), power steering,  exterior temperature indicator with frost warning, instrument cluster with 3.5 in color display and trip computer and power windows. Upgraded trim lines passion, prime and proxy have features that include a leather multifunction steering wheel, power and heated mirrors, height adjustable driver seat, armrest, and retractable cargo cover. The Sport package and Lighting package offer more options. Five years after the market launch, China is the third most successful market for smart, after Germany and Italy.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Gets 30 Combined MPG This Summer

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata, lighter, quicker than its predecessor, with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine achieving an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/34 mpg highway/30 mpg combined when equipped with the standard SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission (EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway/30 mpg combined when equipped with the six-speed automatic). The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata goes on sale this summer.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition - 500 On Sale Later This Year

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition with the 650-horsepower supercharged LT4 engine is track-capable and only 500 will be built and include the Z07 Performance Package with Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and Michelin PS Cup 2 tires, a specially serialized vehicle identification number starting with VIN 700001, visible carbon fiber ground effects package, new visible carbon fiber hood section, available front curb view parking camera and MyLink connectivity enhancements with smartphone projection technology . 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition goes on sale later this year.

Infiniti Q70L Bespoke Edition

Infiniti Q70L Bespoke Edition with a 5.9-inch longer wheelbase features four seats wrapped in white quilted leather.

2016 Lexus ES Debuts In Shanghai

The 2016 Lexus ES luxury sedan in the U.S. will continue with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a gasoline-electric hybrid powerplant while engineers have made structural reinforcements for stiffness in the vehicle’s unibody construction and a sound-reducing layer behind the dashboard to better isolate engine noise from the cabin. The ES offers Lexus Safety System which includes a Pre-Collision System to detect vehicles and pedestrians, Brake Assist to activate emergency braking, Lane Departure Alert and Radar Cruise Control that uses millimeter-wave radar to detect the speed of the vehicle ahead in order to adjust the cruise control speed setting accordingly.

Nissan Lannia Designed For Young Drivers In China

Nissan Lannia, introduced at Auto Shanghai 2015, was designed by Nissan Design China for young Chinese drivers.

Volkswagen C Coupé GTE Plug-In Hybrid

Volkswagen C Coupé GTE plug-in hybrid sport sedan is 199.7 inches long, 76.0 inches wide and 56.9 inches high powered by a 212 horsepower four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI gasoline engine combined with a 126 horsepower electric motor, and mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission for a total system output of 248 horsepower. The concept car can travel up to 31 miles in zero emissions E-mode, at up to 81 mph. It has NEDC combined fuel consumption of 102 mpg, a total range of more than 684 miles with 0 to 62 mph acceleration of 8.6 seconds reaching a top speed of 144 mph.

Ford Taurus Debuts in Shanghai for China Market

The new Ford Taurus with a new twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, unveiled in Shanghai, is designed especially to meet the needs of the Chinese market with power reclining rear seats with a massage function, a panoramic sunroof, plenty of second-row legroom, and a rear-seat control panel for air conditioning, seat functions and car media.

Mercedes-Benz Concept GLC Coupé Is Near Production

Mercedes-Benz Concept GLC Coupé carries the GLE Coupé formula over into a more compact segment with an overall length of 186.2 inches on a 111.4 inch wheelbase and powered by a 367 horsepower biturbo V6 engine teamed with a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive. Mercedes-Benz calls the above pictured GLC as a "near-production-standard show car".

Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid Electric Joins CT6 Line-Up

The Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid Electric joins the upcoming range-topping CT6 sedan line-up combining an all-new rear wheel electric variable transmission to a 335 horsepower two-motor system with a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine with spark-ignited direct injection and variable valve technology. An 18.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is located between the rear seat and the trunk and is comprised of 192 prismatic pouch cells, which use the latest generation cell chemistry found in other GM plug-in vehicles. Range estimates will be provided closer to U.S. launch of the Plug-In Hybrid Electric model.

Audi prologue allroad plug-in hybrid

The Audi prologue allroad plug-in hybrid joins the Audi prologue and Audi prologue Avant in the prologue line-up with a 4.0 TFSI V8 with twin turbocharged engine combined with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed tiptronic to produce 734 horsepower driving the quattro all-wheel drive system. The show car accelerates from 0 to 62.1 mph in 3.5 seconds and gets 98 mpg.

2016 Nissan 370Z Coupe Starts At $30,815 Now

The 2016 Nissan 370Z Coupe equipped with a standard 332 horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control and mated to a 6-speed manual transmission starts at $30,815 (including $825 destination and handling) and is on sale now. The top-of-the-line 370Z Coupe Touring with a 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters starts at $40,095. The 2016 Nissan 370Z Coupe is offered in four well-equipped trim levels 370Z, Sport, Sport Tech and Touring, with no available option packages.

The 2016 Nissan 370Z Roadster with a 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control matched with an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with Downshift Rev Matching and standard paddle shifters starts at $42,645 (including $825 destination and handling).

The 2016 Nissan 370Z NISMO with 350-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control mated to a 6-speed manual transmission starts at $42,815 (including $825 destination and handling).

2016 Honda Pilot Goes On Sale This Summer

The all-new, third generation 2016 Honda Pilot has a 280 horsepower direct injected 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC® Earth Dreams™ Technology engine, 30 more than its predecessor, matched to a choice of a 6-speed automatic transmission or, on upper trims, a 9-speed automatic transmission. The 2016 Pilot is available in a new top-of-the-line Elite trim together with LX, EX, EX with Honda Sensing™, EX-L, EX-L with Honda Sensing™ and Touring trims. The available Honda Sensing™ suite of safety and driver assistive technologies includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ with Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation System, Lane Keeping Assist System with Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control. The 2016 Pilot has an all-new selectable Intelligent Traction Management system featuring Normal, Mud, Sand, and Snow modes on the AWD model and Normal and Snow on the 2WD model. The 2016 Pilot will go on sale this summer.

Honda Civic Concept Previews New Fall Line-Up

The Honda Civic Concept is a preview to the 10th-generation Civic lineup launching in the U.S. this Fall featuring a longer wheelbase and lower, wider stance, with new Earth Dreams Technology™ powertrains, including a new 1.5-liter VTEC® Turbo engine with direct injection, a short-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, and a new, more sporty and efficient continuously variable transmission. The new Civic lineup will include Civic Sedan, Coupe and Si models along with the return of the Civic hatchback, followed by the launch of a new Civic Type-R as the performance flagship of the Civic lineup. The new Civic will offer the Honda Sensing™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, including Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control and Honda LaneWatch™, along with Honda's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ body structure.

2016 Chevrolet Spark Goes On Sale In The 4th Quarter

The all-new 2016 Chevrolet Spark, with a slightly longer wheelbase and an overall height about 1.6 inches lower than the current model, is completely redesigned with new, available safety and connectivity features and an all-new 98 horsepower Ecotec 1.4L I-4 engine with manual and continuously variable transmissions delivering a GM-estimated 40 mpg on the highway with the available CVT. The 2016 Chevrolet Spark will be produced from globally sourced parts at GM’s Changwon, South Korea assembly facility and goes on sale in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2015.

2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Coming This Fall

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 hybrid, offered in XLE and Limited trim levels, is Toyota's eighth hybrid offering as part of the refreshed 2016 RAV4 launching this Fall. All 2016 RAV4 models will feature refreshed exterior styling with a new front fascia with an available LED lights, a new lower rocker panel to the rear bumper and lift gate with available LED taillights.  Additional new exterior features include front and rear silver skid plate garnishes on most models and a standard shark fin antenna.

2016 Nissan Maxima On Sale Early Summer Starting At $33,235

The all-new 2016 Nissan Maxima gets a redesigned 300 horsepower 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine mated to a new performance-oriented Xtronic transmission anticipated to achieve a 15 percent increase in highway fuel economy to an EPA estimated 30 miles per gallon. The all-new Maxima, now offered in five grade levels including new SL, SR and Platinum grades, goes on sale in early summer 2015 with a $33,235 starting MSRP (including $825 destination and handling charge). Included as standard is NissanConnect with navigation, 8.0-inch touch-screen display, Remote Engine Start and RearView Monitor.

2016 Infiniti QX50 Goes On Sale In The Fall

The 2016 Infiniti QX50 equipped with a standard 325-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine and a 7-speed automatic transmission will have a new look when it goes on sale in North America in Fall 2015. The QX50 wheelbase has been extended by 3.2 inches, with most of the gain, 4.3 inches of additional legroom for rear seat passengers. Overall, interior volume has been increased by 8.3 cubic feet, including an additional 2.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

2016 Hyundai Tucson Coming In July

The all-new 2016 Hyundai Tucson crossover utility vehicle has a one inch longer wheelbase is stiffer, lighter and wider with greater interior volume and five cubic feet more cargo room over the previous model. The base models offer 164 horsepower 2.0-liter, direct-injected four-cylinder engine coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC™ manual shifting mode and includes an overdrive lock-up torque converter for higher fuel economy at highway speeds. Based on internal tests, fuel economy for the 2.0L FWD model is estimated at 23 (city), 31 (highway), 26 (combined). Eco, Sport and Limited models offer a new 175 horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder engine coupled to a new seven-speed EcoShift® dual-clutch transmission. Based on internal tests, estimated fuel economy for this powertrain on Eco FWD models is 26 (city), 33 (highway), 29 (combined), a 5-mpg improvement over the former Tucson 2.4L engine. Sport and Limited FWD turbo engine models are estimated at 25 (city), 30 (highway), 27 (combined), representing a 3-mpg improvement in combined fuel economy over the former Tucson 2.4L engine. In addition, the new Tucson’s fuel tank has been increased by 1.1 gallons for even greater driving range. The new Tucson will arrive at Hyundai dealers in July.

2016 Kia Optima Coming With 3 Engine Choices In The 4th Quarter

The all-new 2016 Kia Optima wheelbase has been extended 0.4 inches to 110.4 inches and widened by an inch to 73.2 inches with a new 178 horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that’s mated to a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. Carrying over are the 185 horsepower 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, available on the LX and EX models, and the 247 horsepower 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine, available on the SXL and SX Turbo models, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic® shifting while the SX and SXL trims add paddle shifters. The all-new 2016 Kia Optima will come in LX, LX Turbo, EX, SX Turbo and SXL trim levels when sales begin in the fourth quarter of 2015. As with its predecessor, the all-new Optima will be built at Kia’s plant* in West Point, Georgia.  Pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch date.

Subaru STI Performance Concept Signals More High Performance Coming

The Subaru STI Performance Concept signifies a plan for U.S.-expansion of Subaru Tecnica International (STI), the performance division of Subaru, in its three core business areas: aftermarket parts, STI-tuned cars and motorsports.

2016 Scion iM Arrives This Fall

The all-new 2016 Scion iM has a 137 horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder DOHC Valvematic engine mated to a standard 6-speed stick shift transmission and comes with eight standard airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and a front passenger seat cushion airbag. The all-new 2016 Scion iM arrives in dealerships this Fall, starting under $20,000. The Scion iM Concept debuted at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.

2016 Scion iA Coming This Fall

The 2016 Scion iA sedan has a high-compression 106 horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions delivering manufacturer-estimated fuel economy ratings of 33 city / 42 highway / 37 combined MPG. The Scion iA comes with a Low-speed Pre-collision system that uses a laser sensor to help the driver avoid collisions and to help minimize damage in the event of an accident. A rear view back-up camera is also standard. The new 2016 Scion iA will arrive in dealerships this Fall for an estimated MSRP in the $16,000-range.

Porsche Boxster Spyder Coming In October For $83,095

Porsche Boxster Spyder has a 375 horsepower 3.8-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that takes it  from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and to a top track speed of 180 mph. The new Boxster Spyder will be launched in the U.S. market in October and can now be ordered at dealerships. In the United States, the MSRP is $83,095 (including a $995 destination charge).

2016 Cadillac CT6 Coming At Year End

The 2016 Cadillac CT6, one of eight all-new vehicles the brand will launch by the end of the decade, sits on a 122.4-inch wheelbase and offers an all-new Cadillac 3.0L Twin Turbo engine at an estimated 400 horsepower, a new 335 horsepower 3.6L V-6 naturally aspirated engine or a 265 horsepower 2.0L I-4 turbocharged engine, all mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Production of the 2016 Cadillac CT6 begins at the end of 2015 for the North American market.