Toyota C-HR Concept Hybrid May Become Reality

The Toyota C-HR concept compact hybrid crossover has been updated and may go into production in the not-so-distant future.

Nissan Gripz Concept

The Nissan Gripz Concept is equipped with an EV technology based Series hybrid system "Pure Drive e-Power" with a gasoline engine used to power the electric motor found in the Nissan LEAF. There is no B-pillar, allowing easy access to the 2+2 interior.

Mazda KOERU Crossover Concept

The all-new Mazda KOERU (means “exceed” or “go beyond” in Japanese) crossover concept adopts the latest SKYACTIV technologies.

Audi e-tron quattro concept Electric SUV Coming In 2018

The Audi e-tron quattro concept uses one electric motor to drive the front axle and two others act on the rear axle for a total output of 429 horsepower, sprints from  a standstill to 62.1 mph in 4.6 seconds and reaches an electronically governed top speed of 130.5 mph. “Audi will present an all-electric, luxury-class sport SUV in early 2018. The Audi e-tron quattro concept provides a concrete foretaste of this,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Audi Board of Management for Technical Development.

Mercedes-Benz "Concept IAA" All-Electric 4-Door Coupé

The Mercedes-Benz "Concept IAA" (Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile) four-door coupé which switches automatically from design mode to aerodynamic mode when the vehicle reaches a speed of 50 mph, is powered by a gas/electric plug-in hybrid drive with a total output of 279 horsepower with a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited) and an all-electric range of 41 miles.

New Generation Volkswagen Tiguan Coming Next Fall

The new generation Volkswagen Tiguan, more than 110 pounds lighter, 2.4 inches longer and 1.2 inches wider compared to the previous model, has two different length wheelbases, with the "long" Tiguan to be introduced to specific markets starting in the Fall of 2016. There are a total of eight Euro-6 compliant engines, all of which have turbocharging, direct injection, a stop-start system and battery regeneration as standard. There are four TSI® gasoline engines with front-wheel drive and available  all-wheel drive powertrains either as an option or as standard. Compared to the previous model with Euro-5 engines, the four-cylinder engines in the new Tiguan are up to 24 per cent more fuel-efficient. Compared to previous Tiguans with Euro-6 engines, there is up to 10 percent better fuel efficiency. We'll know more about U.S.-configured vehicles closer to the sales date.

2016 Camaro SS On Sale This Fall For $37,295

The 2016 Camaro SS with an all-new, 455 horsepower 6.2L V-8 engine is 223 pounds lighter sprints from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds and covers the quarter-mile in 12.3 seconds, when equipped with the all-new eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. The other Gen Six Camaro coupe models have either a 275 horsepower 2.0L Turbo with the six-speed manual transmission or a 335 horsepower 3.6L V-6 with the eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2016 Camaro goes on sale this Fall, with a suggested retail price of $26,695 for the Camaro LT and $37,295 for the SS.

2016 Toyota Prius - The 4th Generation

The all-new fourth-generation 2016 Toyota Prius is 2.4 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider and 0.8 inches lower than the model it replaces. The Prius will be among the first U.S. models to offer Toyota Safety Sense, a new multi-feature advanced safety package including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beams. Not much more info other than 350 journalists were wined and dined in Las Vegas.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport - Special Edition Golf

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport is a special edition with a 261 horsepwoer turbocharged, direct-injection engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or the optional 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The manual transmission car has fuel consumption of 33.8 mpg and with the DSG, fuel economy improves to 34.8 mpg.

Bentley Bentayga SUV Coming Early Next Year

The Bentley Bentayga SUV with an all-new 600 horsepower 12-cylinder engine that uses both direct and indirect fuel injection delivering a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph will start being delivered in early 2016.

Features include a full-length panoramic sunroof, up to eight modes of Drive Dynamics for any surface or road condition, Bentley Dynamic Ride (electrically activated 48V active roll control) and Electric Power-Assisted Steering, Adaptive Cruise Control including Stop & Go, predictive ACC and Traffic Assist that enables the driver to maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. Traffic Sign Recognition detects a wide variety of traffic signs and displays information to the driver. Rear Crossing Traffic Warning uses radar technology to detect crossing traffic when reversing out of a parking space. Top View uses four cameras to display an overall picture of the vehicle’s surroundings. Park Assist detects suitable parking spaces (both parallel and perpendicular) before autonomous steering takes over to support parking manoeuvres, even in narrow and tricky spaces.
Electronic Night Vision uses infra-red technology identifies potential obstacles ahead, and a Head-Up Display reduces driver distraction and increases safety.

Rolls-Royce Dawn Convertible

The new Rolls-Royce Dawn four-seater convertible is powered by a 563 horsepower twin-turbo 6.6-liter V12 powertrain and mated to an 8-speed ZF transmission. The fabric roof takes 22 seconds to move up or down at a cruising speed of up to 30 mph.

Porsche 911 Carrera Enhanced For March 2016 U.S. Delivery

The new Porsche 911 Carrera gets new turbocharged engines with a 20 horsepower increase with the 3.0 liter engine in the standard Carrera now 370 horsepower and the 911 Carrera S 420 horsepower and for the first time, rear-axle steering is available as an option for the Carrera S. Also new are headlights with four-point daytime running lights to integrated door handle recesses, a redesigned rear deck lid with vertical louvers, and new rear lights including four-point brake lights.

The new Porsche 911 Carrera models will be launched in the United States in March of 2016 with an MSRP for the 911 Carrera at $89,400, Carrera S $102,400, Carrera Cabriolet $101,700 and the Carrera S Cabriolet $115,700.

Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo Concept To Be At Frankfurt Auto Show

Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo concept developed with Polyphony Digital, creator of the Gran Turismo video game franchise, as a real show car for Bugatti fans, car enthusiasts and gamers will be on display at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Jaguar F-PACE Compact SUV Goes On Sale In The Spring In U.S.

The all-new 2017 Jaguar F-PACE, a five seater luxury SUV, with a ground clearance of 8.4-inches and choice of a 3.0l 340 horsepower supercharged gasoline V6 engine priced from $42,390 or, exclusive to the F-PACE S model, a 380 horsepower supercharged gasoline V6 engine priced from $56,700. Both V6 engines are mated to an 8-speed transmission with power being routed to all four wheels via a torque-on-demand all-wheel drive system. Later in 2016, a 180 horsepower four cylinder Ingenium diesel engine will be added to the model lineup priced from $40,990. The all-new F-PACE range will consist of: F-PACE, F-PACE Premium, F-PACE Prestige, F-PACE R-Sport, F-PACE S and F-PACE First Edition (available in limited numbers, in the first year of production only). F-PACE offers 18-inch wheels to 22-inch wheels which were developed for the F-PACE by the Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations division from forged aluminum to make them lighter and stiffer. The all-new 2017 Jaguar F-PACE goes on sale in the U.S. beginning Spring 2016.

Tesla Model X SUV Starts At $133,200 On Sept. 29

From Tesla Motors Club

From @elonmusk tweet

August 2015 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors' Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands sold 270,480 vehicles in the United States in August 2015, a drop of 0.7 percent from August 2014. Year-to-date sales of 2,048,537 is a 3.2 percent gain. Cadillac sales of 15,738 is a 5.5 percent decline while year-to-date sales of 100,094 is a 5 percent drop from a year ago.

Ford Motor Company delivered its best August U.S. sales in nine years with sales of 234,237 vehicles, a 5.4 percent increase while year-to-date sales 1,750,589, a 2.7 percent gain. Lincoln sold 8,636 vehicle in August a 6 percent gain and for the year 65,284 is up 7.9 percent over 2014.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported August 2015 sales of 224,381, a decrease of 8.8 percent from August 2014. Toyota Division posted August 2015 sales of 190,894, down 10.5 percent. Lexus reported August sales of 33,487, up 2.1 percent from August 2014 and year-to-date sales of 222,151 is 11.7 percent higher than last year.

FCA US (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported U.S. sales of 201,672, a 2 percent increase compared with sales in August 2014 for the best August sales since 2002. Year-to-date sales of 1,461,842, up 5 percent from last year.

American Honda reported August 2015 sales of 155,491 Honda and Acura vehicles, a decrease of 6.9 percent over August 2014, when the industry had one additional selling day and an early Labor Day weekend. The Honda Division sold a total of 140,178, a 7.5 percent drop from last August while Acura reported 15,313 vehicles sold in August, a 1.1 percent decline. Year-to-date American Honda sales of 1,054,816 is a 1.2 percent rise over 2014.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for August 2015 of 133,351, a decrease of 1 percent over the prior year. Year-to-date Nissan Group sales of 1,000,706 is a 4.2 percent gain over last year. Nissan division sales of 122,716 is a 2 percent drop from a year ago and year-to-date sales of  915,358 is a 3.6 percent gain over 2014. Infinti August sales of 10,635 is a 16.1 percent jump over August 2014 and year-to-date Infiniti sales of 85,348 is 10.8 percent higher versus eight months of 2014.

Hyundai Motor America posted its best August ever, with 72,012 vehicles sold, up 2.9 percent compared to August 2014. Year-to-date sales of 514,175 is 2.5 percent higher than 2014 through August.

Kia Motors America reported best-ever August sales of 58,897 vehicles, a 7.7-percent increase over the same period last year and the brand’s fourth straight monthly sales record. Year-to-date Kia sales are 426,160, up 5.4 percent.

Subaru of America reported 52,679 vehicle sales for August 2015, a 4.9 percent increase over August 2014, the best-ever sales month in company history, breaking the previous record set in July 2015. Subaru also reported year-to-date sales of 375,632 vehicles, a 12.5 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 32,332 in August 2015, 8.1 percent lower than a year ago while year-to-date sales of 238,074 is a 2.8 percent drop from 2014. Separately, Audi achieved its best-ever August sales in the U.S. with 17,101 vehicles sold. Through the first eight months of 2015, Audi U.S. sales are 116,066 vehicles, up 12.1 percent from last year.

BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported August sales of 32,864 vehicles, an increase of 2.0 percent from the 32,219 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW Group sales are 263,908 vehicles, a 7.3 percent increase from the same period last year. Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 2.0 percent in August for a total of 27,755, a new August record, compared to August, 2014. Year-to-date, BMW brand sales are 223,348 vehicles, a 5.9 percent increase from the same period last year.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported all-time record August sales of 31,250, an increase of 3.2 percent from the same month last year. The Mercedes-Benz brand tallied 28,373, a 4.8 percent increase over August 2014. Sprinter delivered 2,260 sales for the month of August, up 15.3 percent for the year, while smart recorded sales of  617 in August. On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes-Benz retails totaled 220,870, up 7.3 percent. Adding year-to-date sales of 17,957 for Sprinter Vans and 4,682 for smart, MBUSA posted grand total sales of 243,509 through August.

Mazda North American Operations reported August U.S. sales of 29,938 vehicles, representing a decrease of 4.4 percent versus last year. Year-to-date, Mazda has sold 216,091 vehicles, down 0.4 percent.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported August 2015 sales of 8,289, an increase of 22.1 percent from August 2014 for the brand's 18th consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases. Year-to-date sales of 65,701 are up 24.4 percent over the same period in 2014.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported August 2015 U.S. sales for both brands of 6,368, a 12 percent increase from August 2014. Land Rover sales reached 5,225, up 16 percent and Jaguar sales were 1,143, down 3 percent from August 2014. Year-to-date 2015, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales hit 52,769, an increase of 15 percent over 2014.

Volvo U.S. sales of 5,870 represents a 18.3 per cent increase versus the same month last year. Year-to-date sales of 40,854 is a 4.2 percent gain over last year.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Hyundai To Showcase High Performance N Sub-Brand In Frankfurt

Hyundai will showcase its high performance sub-brand N at the Frankfurt Auto Show September 15th with the New Generation i20 WRC (World Rally Championship) car, the first prototype for the vehicle. The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept highlights sustainable technology and race car design.

Hyundai RM15 concept car represents how the Hyundai N driver-focused technologies could come into production. The mid-engine concept, with a 296 horsepower 2.0-liter engine. Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept is a new project by Hyundai coming exclusively to PlayStation®’s Gran Turismo video game series.

smart fortwo cabrio Coming To U.S. Early Next Summer

The new smart fortwo cabrio, with the same 89 horsepower three- cylinder engine as the coupe, can be combined with the five-speed manual transmission or the fully automatic twinamic dual clutch transmission. At the touch of a button its 19.4 sq-ft sliding canvas sunroof soft top completely opens in twelve seconds and removable roof bars can be stowed on the inside of the tailgate. With the 3-button key the soft top can also be opened from outside the car by remote control. The rear windscreen is heated and is made of glass. The torsional strength has been improved by around 15 percent compared with the predecessor. The open-top two-seater in pure (standard), passion, prime and proxy trim levels, will make its world premiere in a few weeks at the Frankfurt Auto Show and will launch in the U.S. in early summer of 2016.

2016 Hyundai Accent Sedan and Hatchback Starts At $15,570 This Month

The 2016 Hyundai Accent Sedan and Hatchback (above), powered by an all-aluminum 137 horsepower 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission gets up to 27 mpg city and up to 38 mpg highway EPA-estimated fuel economy. The Accent, which also offers a 6-Speed Automatic Transmission w/ SHIFTRONIC®, receives minor changes, including trim name changes from GLS and GS to Accent SE Sedan and Accent SE Hatchback. Accent Hatchback continues to offer a Sport trim, with sportier visual cues and driving dynamics over the SE trim. Accent offers a standard 6-speaker, 172-watt audio system. The 2016 Accent arrives in dealerships this month at a starting price of $15,570 (includes freight charge of $825).

2016 Subaru BRZ Starting At $26,190 This Fall

The 2016 Subaru BRZ starting at $26,190 (including $795 destination & delivery), powered by a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter BOXER engine, comes standard with a rear vision camera and is available in Premium or Limited trims with either a 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed Electronic Direct-Control automatic transmission. The BRZ receives the SUBARU STARLINK 6.2” Multimedia System with a 6.2-in. single-touch gesture display. The 2016 BRZ models will begin arriving in dealerships this Fall.

2016 Lincoln MKX Starts At $38,995 With Two 300HP+ Engine Choices

The all-new 2016 Lincoln MKX, starting at $38,995 (including destination and delivery charges) comes standard with a 303 horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and has an available 335 horsepower 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged Ti-VCT EcoBoost V6 engine, both mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with push-button shift and SelectShift®. Front-wheel drive is standard, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive optional. Available options are Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection that activates at speeds above 3 mph. Other features include, Auto Hold which releases the brakes when the accelerator pedal is pressed, a camera system that offers a 180-degree split viewand a 360-degree view shows up to 7 feet all around the vehicle. The 12-sensor ultrasonic system enables the full range of available parking-assist features: front rear side sensing, perpendicular and parallel parking and park out.

2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe Coming Next Summer

The new 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe is powered by a 469 horsepower 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine in standard trim or 503 horsepower in the C63 S, closely related to the engine in the Mercedes-AMG GT, featuring two turbochargers positioned in-between the engine's cylinder banks, otherwise known as a "hot inside V" and mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sport transmission. The C63 S Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds to a top speed of 180 mph, and the C63 Coupe in 3.9 seconds reaching a top speed of 155 mph. The AMG C63 Coupe comes standard with ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS and AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers with adjustable damping in three stages for sportiness and long-distance comfort. The new 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe will be available at U.S. Mercedes-Benz dealers in the summer of 2016.

Audi e-tron quattro Concept With A Range Of More Than 310 Miles

The Audi e-tron quattro concept is an electric SUV positioned between the Audi Q5 and the Q7 in size, so a Q6 on that metric, and borrows from the Audi R8 e-tron sports car for the drive system, with a predicted range of more than 310 miles. Audi will show the e-tron quattro SUV concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show next month. This will compete with Tesla's Model X electric SUV coming soon for those already in line and early next year for new reservations. Currently the maximum posted range for Tesla is 270 miles.

2016 Honda Accord Gets Mid-Cycle Refresh - On Sale Tomorrow

The 2016 Honda Accord gets a mid-cycle refresh offered with the direct-injected 2.4-liter inline i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine in LX/LX-S, Sport, EX and EX-L trims and the 3.5-liter VTEC™ V-6 in EX-L and Touring trims and mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) for the 4-cylinder engines, 6-speed manuals for the 4-cylinder and V-6 engines, and a 6-speed automatic for V-6 models. The MSRP for the 2016 Accord Sedan LX with 6-speed manual transmission remains at $22,925 (including $820 destination charge) and $23,725 for the Sedan LX with continuously variable transmission.

The Accord Coupe LX-S is also unchanged at $24,595 for the 6-MT and $25,445 for the CVT. All 2016 Accords feature a standard Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and Expanded View Driver's Mirror and on Touring trim models, new auto high-beam headlights. The Accord sedan goes on sale tomorrow and the Accord Coupe on August 26.

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser - New and Fully Loaded

The 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser, new from the A-pillar forward, with a full-time 4WD system powered by a 381 horsepower 5.7-liter DOHC V8 engine featuring Variable Valve Timing with intelligence mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, comes fully equipped and with seating for eight. Downhill Assist Control helps hold the vehicle to a target speed with minimal driver intervention and Hill-start Assist Control helps prevent roll-back when stopping and then starting again on a steep incline or slippery surface. The new Toyota Safety Sense-P system includes Frontal Collision Avoidance, at speeds below 24 mph (including pedestrian protection), Frontal Collision Mitigation (also for speeds below 24 mph); Lane Departure Alert; Auto High Beams and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. There's a new Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a backup camera. EPA fuel efficiency is 13 mpg in the city, 18 mpg on the highway and 15 combined. Land Cruiser’s rear-seat DVD entertainment system features two individual 11.6-inch display monitors, RCA jacks and separate HDMI input for individual playback.

Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster For $530,075

The new Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster featuring a two-piece carbon fiber hardtop, with only 500 available worldwide, has a 750 horsepower 6.5-liter V12 engine mated to a 7-speed ISR transmission driving all four wheels producing 0-62 mph acceleration of 2.9 seconds to a a top speed of more than 217 mph. Deliveries of the Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster begin in early 2016 with base MSRP pricing of $530,075.

2016 Toyota Tacoma Starts At $24,200

The all-new 2016 Toyota Tacoma (Access cab above) will feature a 159 horsepower 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with VVT-i that gets EPA estimated 19 city/23 highway/ 21 combined mpg for the 4x2 with an automatic transmission and Tacoma also offers an all-new 278 horsepower V6 with a 3.5-liter Atkinson cycle with VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligent Wider Intake) equipped with Toyota’s D-4S technology, featuring both direct and port fuel injection getting an estimated 19 city/24 highway/21 combined mpg for the 4x2 automatic. Both engines will be paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift and the V6 can also be mated to a new six-speed manual transmission and the four-cylinder to a five-speed manual.

The MSRP for the 2016 Tacoma 4x2 will range from $24,200 (including $900 delivery, processing, and handling fee) for the SR Access Cab with a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission to $35,645 for the Double Cab Limited 3.5-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission. The MSRP for the 2016 Tacoma 4x4 will range from $25,725 for the SR 4-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission to $38,720 for the V6 Limited with the six-speed automatic. (Double cab pictured above)

The Tacoma comes in Access cab or Double cab in SR, SR5, TRD, TRD Sport, TRD Off Road, Limited (double cab only) trims in either two-wheel and four wheel drive with two engine options and mated to a six-speed automatic or new six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed manual for the four-cylinder engine.

2016 Lexus GS 200t, 350, 450h Debut

The 2016 Lexus GS 200t rear-wheel drive sedan with a 241 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission gets an estimated of 33 mpg highway as the newest member of GS line-up. The GS 350 has a 311 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. The GS 450h, with an Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6 engine and a water-cooled permanent-magnet electric motor for 338 total system horsepower, has EPA estimated 29 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined fuel economy ratings.

BMW Concept M4 GTS World Premiere

The BMW Concept M4 GTS, in frozen dark grey metallic, with the acid orange accent, with manually adjustable front splitter and rear wing is powered by a turbocharged six-cylinder in-line engine with a water injection system to increase output and torque. More details on the production version will be revealed at a later date.

2017 C300 and C300 4MATIC Coupe Coming In The Spring

The all-new 2017 C300 and C300 4MATIC Coupe, with a 3.1 inch longer wheelbase is 3.7 inches longer, 1.6 inches wider and lighter than its predecessor, powered by a 241 horsepower 2.0L four-cylinder engine. The Coupe comes with an optional AIRMATIC air suspension on the front and rear axle giving the driver ride mode choices of "ECO", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport +" and "Individual.” ATTENTION ASSIST warns the driver of inattentiveness and drowsiness, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS features an acoustic warning for the driver at speeds above 4 mph and Adaptive Brake Assist to help avoid collisions, DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist can adjust the speed of the vehicle in line with a slower-moving vehicle ahead in a speed range from 0 to 124 mph if required, and the PRE-SAFE® Brake can detect pedestrians and brake autonomously if the driver fails to react. The all-new MY2017 C300 and C300 4MATIC Coupe arrives at U.S. dealers in Spring of 2016.

2016 Buick Sport Touring Models Coming This Fall

2016 Buick LaCrosse, Regal (pictured above) and Verano Sport Touring (ST) models features special 18-inch wheels with machined faces and black “pockets,” and a rear spoiler, go on sale this Fall along with the Encore Sport Touring.

2016 Infiniti Q70 Premium Select Edition Coming In November

The new 2016 Infiniti Q70 Premium Select Edition, on standard wheelbase Q70 3.7, Q70 3.7 AWD, Q70 5.6 and Q70 5.6 AWD models (non-Hybrid), offers dark chrome trim, a darkened lower rear bumper, a rear decklid spoiler and color 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 245/40R20 all-season performance tires. This Q70 will be available at Infiniti retailers nationwide beginning in November.

2016 Lexus LX 570 Debuts At Pebble Beach

The 2016 Lexus LX 570 eight passenger body-on-frame SUV gets a restyled front end, new standard LED headlights, turn signals and fog lights, taillights, rear bumper, 20-inch split 10-spoke wheels, and available 21-inch 10-spoke wheels. Powered by a 383 horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine now mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission which replaces the former six-speed. The new Drive Mode Select tailors powertrain and suspension responses with a dial on the console. ECO adjusts powertrain responses and air conditioning to prioritize fuel-efficient driving, COMFORT mode optimizes AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension) damping for a smooth ride, SPORT S mode dials up powertrain response and dials down power steering assist for a sportier driving feel, and SPORT S+ mode adds firmer damping control from AVS to prioritize handling agility.
         

All-New Ford F-650/F-750 Trucks Made In Ohio Now

All-new Ford F-650/F-750 medium-duty trucks, with a new look inside and out, rolled off the line today for the first time in the United States at Ford's Ohio Assembly Plant after previously being built in Mexico. Along with its 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 diesel engine option, Ford remains the only automaker to offer a gasoline-powered engine in the medium-duty truck segment. The 2016 Ford F-650/F-750 trucks offer a 320 horsepower 6.8-liter V10 with the heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission and can be factory-prepped for converting to compressed natural gas or liquid propane gas as cost-effective alternatives to gasoline and a 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 diesel engine option. The move from Mexico to Ohio helps secure more than 1,000 hourly UAW jobs and a $168 million plant investment in the United States.

Hyundai “Vision G” Concept Coupe Is On Tour

The Hyundai “Vision G” Concept Coupe, from Hyundai's U.S design team led by Christopher Chapman, resembling a Bentley with luxury in mind, is powered by their high-pressure direct injection 420 horsepower 5.0-liter Tau V8 engine. The Hyundai “Vision G” Concept Coupe is on tour, first Los Angeles, then Pebble Beach.

Lexus IS 200t With 241 Horsepower New For 2016

The Lexus IS luxury sport sedan, with rear-wheel drive, all-weather drive and F SPORT variants, adds the 200t, available as RWD only, powered by a 241 horsepower 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with intercooler paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The IS 200t joins the IS 300 AWD with a 255 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and the IS 350, in both RWD and AWD and now with standard 18-inch five-spoke wheels with all-season tires, powered by a 306 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 mated to an eight-speed, Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission. Also new for 2016 is a heated steering wheel as a standalone option, a Premium Plus Package with power/tilt telescopic steering wheel and rain-sensing wipers and Lexus Enform Service Connect. The IS 250 and IS 250 AWD are discontinued.

2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron® Coming In October Starting At $38,825

The all-new 2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron® plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the first electrified Audi sold in the U.S. has a 204 horsepower 1.4 liter TFSI® engine combined with a liquid-cooled, permanent magnet-driven electric motor mated to a six-speed S tronic® transmission. The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron® will start at $38,825 (including $925 destination charges), the Premium Plus model starts at $42,925 and the Prestige at $47,725 - or less depending on the buyer's qualification for applicable state and federal incentives and tax credits. 240-volt charging replenishes the battery in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. The plug-in hybrid will launch at dealerships nationwide in October.

It qualifies for a federal tax credit of $4,168 with buyers in some states qualifying for additional incentives. Tax credits and incentives are subject to availability, and customers should consult their tax professionals and IRS.gov for more information about tax credits and incentives.

All-New BMW 7 Series Featured In Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation Movie

The all-new BMW 7 Series, in its sixth generation, is driven hard in the film “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation,” from Paramount Pictures and Skydance, now in theaters. BMW previously partnered with Paramount on 2011’s “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.” BMW of North America has a series of “Mission to Drive” marketing initiatives around the film including television, radio and digital advertising. The all-new BMW 7 Series features the world’s first Gesture Control. Pre-selected hand movements in the vicinity of the center console allow the driver to adjust the audio volume control and accept or reject incoming phone calls, among other functions. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation topped the box office in its debut weekend bringing in $55.52 million.

2016 Honda Odyssey On Sale Now Starting At $30,155

The 2016 Honda Odyssey, powered by a 248 horsepower 3.5-liter, 24-valve V-6 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, is now on sale with eight trim levels starting at $30,155 (including $880 destination charge) and running up to a starting price of $45,630 for top-of-the-line Touring Elite. Odyssey comes in LX, EX, SE, EX-L, EX-L with Rear Entertainment System, EX-L with Navi, Touring and Touring Elite models delivering EPA fuel-economy ratings of 19/28/22 mpg city/highway/combined.

July 2015 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac) sold 272,512 vehicles in the United States in July 2015, a 6.4 percent increase for the best July since 2007. Year-to-date sales of 1,778,057, is up 3.9 percent over 2014.

Ford Motor Company sold 222,731 vehicles last month, up 4.9 percent for its best July U.S. sales performance since 2006. Of that, Lincoln accounted for 9,536, a 21.3 percent jump over July 2014. Year-to-date total Ford sales of 1,516,352 is a 2.3 percent increase over 2014.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported July 2015 sales of 217,181, an increase of 0.6 percent from July 2014. Toyota Division posted sales of 187,365, down 0.6 percent while year-to-date sales are 1,259,957, a 3.7 percent gain and Lexus reported July sales of 29,816, up 9.1 percent from July 2014 bring year-to-date sales to 188,664, a 13.6 percent rise over last year. Year-to-date total sales for both brands is 1,448,621, up 4.9 percent over last year.

FCA US (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported U.S. sales of 178,027 units, a 6 percent increase compared with sales in July 2014 for the group’s best July sales since 2005. Year-to-date sales of 1,260,170 is also a 6 percent rise versus last year.

American Honda Motor reported sales of 146,324 Honda and Acura vehicles, an increase of 7.7 percent in July 2015. Honda Division sales rose 6.5 percent overall on sales of 131,409 units, while Acura reported a gain of 19.5 percent with 14,915 vehicles sold in July. Year-to-date sales of 899,325 is a 2.7 percent gain over 2014.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for July 2015 of 130,872, an increase of 7.8 percent over the prior year and a July record. Nissan Division finished July with 120,439 sales, up 6.7 percent and also a July record. Infiniti sales of 10,433 is a 22.2 percent gain over a year ago. Year-to-date Nissan Group sales is 867,355, a 5 percent increase over 2014.

Hyundai Motor America reported its best July ever with 71,013 sold, up 6 percent compared to July 2014. Year-to-date sales of 442,163 is up 2.5 percent over the first seven months of 2014.

Kia Motors America had a July sales record of 56,311 vehicles sold, up 7.7 percent over 2014. Kia year-to-date sales of 367,263  is up 5 percent over last year.

Subaru of America reported 50,517 vehicle sales for July 2015, a 10.5 percent increase over July 2014 for the best-ever sales month in company history, breaking the previous record set in August 2014 (50,246). Subaru reported year-to-date sales of 322,935 vehicles, a 13.8 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 31,300, up 2.4 percent over July 2014. Year-to-date sales of 205,742, down 1.9 percent from 2014. Separately, Audi of America reported sales of 17,654 vehicles, an increase of 20.8 pecent. Year-to-date Audi sales of 111,269 is up 12.4 percent over last year.          

BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported July sales of 32,161 vehicles, a decrease of 0.2 percent from the same month a year ago. Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 2.1 percent in July for a total of 26,970 compared to July, 2014. For July, MINI USA reports 5,191 automobiles sold, a decrease of 10.7 percent from the same month a year ago. BMW Group year-to-date sales of 231,044 is up 8.1 percent.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported record July sales for the Mercedes-Benz brand at 27,526, increasing 1.2 percent from the same month last year. Sprinter delivered 2,163 sales for the month of July, combining with 441 units at smart for a monthly total of 30,130 for MBUSA. On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes-Benz sales totaled 192,496, up 7.7 percent. Adding year-to-date sales of 15,697 for Sprinter Vans and 4,065 for smart, MBUSA posted a grand total of 212,258 units through July.

Mazda North American Operations reported U.S. sales for July 2015 of 27,157 vehicles, a 7.1-percent decrease versus July 2014. Through July, Mazda has sold 186,153 vehicles year-to-date, representing a year-over-year increase.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported sales of 7,868, an increase of 23.9 percent from July 2014. Year-to-date sales of 57,412 is up 24.8 percent.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported July 2015 U.S. sales. Sales for both brands hit 6,253, a 7 percent increase from July 2014.  Land Rover sales reached 5,011, up 8 percent from July 2014; Jaguar sales were 1,242, up 5 percent from July 2014. Year-to-date in 2015, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales hit 46,401, an increase of 15 percent over 2014.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 5,619, a 14.8 percent increase versus July 2014. Year-to-date sales are up 2 percent over the first seven months of 2014.

Porsche Cars North America announced July 2015 sales of 4,730 vehicles, up 10 percent over July 2014. Year-to-date sales of 29,868 is 9.7 percent higher than last year.

2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - 2016 GMC Sierra Coming In The 4th Quarter

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 full-size pickup (above) will get a new front end design including bumpers, more 8-speed automatic transmission options, updated Chevy MyLink with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, LED “C-shaped” signature daytime running lights, and LED headlights, taillights and fog lamps when it arrives in the fourth quarter of this year.

The new 2016 GMC Sierra will be available in the fourth quarter of this year, with additional details and information on the new model released in the coming months.

2016 Buick Encore Sport Touring Goes On Sale This Fall

The 2016 Buick Encore Sport Touring with an all-new 153 horsepower direct injection 1.4L turbocharged engine matched with a six-speed automatic transmission goes on sale this Fall. All-wheel drive, a premium Bose® audio system, navigation radio and a moonroof are available.

2016 Hyundai Tucson Starts At $23,595 Now

The 2016 Hyundai Tucson, 3.0 inches longer and 1.1 inches wider than the previous model, powered by 164 horsepower 2.0-liter, direct-injected four-cylinder engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC™ manual shifting mode, goes on sale this month with a starting price of $23,595 (including $895 freight charges) for the FWD SE model with EPA fuel economy rated at 23 mpg (city), 31 mpg (highway), and 26 mpg (combined). The FWD or AWD Tucson comes in SE, Eco, Sport and Limited trim levels with the latter three available with a more powerful engine. The top-of the-line AWD Tucson Limited with the 175 horsepower 1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder engine mated to a 7-Speed EcoShift Dual Clutch transmission starts at $32,195.

J.D. Power 2015 U.S. APEAL Study

The J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, in its 20th year, measures how gratifying 77 ownership and driving attributes are in a new vehicle.  The average APEAL Index score in the non-premium segment (790) has improved by 5 points from 2014, while the average score in the premium segment (841) has improved by only 1 point. Porsche ranks highest in APEAL for an 11th consecutive year, with a score of 874 index points, followed by Jaguar (855), BMW (854), Mercedes-Benz (853) and Audi (852). MINI is the highest-ranking non-premium brand in the study with a score of 825.

The following brands receive multiple model-level APEAL awards:

Chevrolet (three): Colorado, Corvette and Sonic
Ford (three): C-Max, Expedition and F-150
Porsche (three): Cayenne, Cayman and Macan
Audi (two): A3 and Q3
BMW (two): 4 Series and 6 Series
Dodge (two): Challenger and Charger
Mazda (two): CX-5 and MAZDA6
MINI (two): Cooper and Countryman

Other models receiving awards are Fiat 500; GMC Sierra HD; Infiniti QX80; Kia Sedona; Mercedes-Benz S-Class; Nissan Murano; and Volkswagen Golf.

2016 Mazda CX-3 Starts At $20,840 In Mid-August

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 subcompact crossover with a 146 horsepower SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine, going on sale in mid-August, starts at $20,840 (including $880 for destination and handling) for the Sport trim, $22,8840 for CX-3 Touring model and $25,870 for the CX-3 Grand Touring. EPA-estimated fuel economy for front-wheel drive models is 29 mpg city/35 mpg highway/31 mpg combined and 27 mpg city/32 mpg highway/29 mpg combined with i-ACTIV AWD which is a $1,250 upgrade. The Touring Technology Package is $1,410 and the i-ACTIVSENSE safety package with Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart City Brake Support, Smart Brake Support, High Beam Control System, Lane Departure Warning System, rain-sensing wipers and auto on/off headlights is $1,920.

All CX-3 models come with MAZDA CONNECT™, a seven-inch, full-color touchscreen infotainment suite that is integrated with a commander control knob and Bluetooth hands-free phone pairing and audio streaming. All 2016 CX-3s also have backup camera and push-button starter as well as power windows, power door locks and remote keyless entry.

Toyota Mirai Offers EPA-estimated 67 MPGe This Fall

The new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle will offer an EPA-estimated 67 miles per gallon equivalent (mpge) city/highway/combined when it hits dealerships in California this Fall, and an EPA-estimated driving range rating of 312 miles on a single fill of hydrogen.

June 2015 U.S. Vehicle Sales

General Motors' Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers in the United States delivered 259,353 vehicles in June 2015, a drop of 3 percent. It was GM's best June for retail deliveries since 2007 climbing 6.8 percent year over year. Year-to-date General Motors sales of 1,505,545, up 3.4 percent from 2014.

Ford Motor Company total U.S. June sales of  225,647 vehicles sold was a 1.6 percent gain over last year. Year-to-date sales of 1,293,621 is a 1.9 percent increase over 2014.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported June 2015 sales of 209,912, an increase of 4.1 percent from June 2014. Toyota division posted June 2015 sales of 183,791, up 3.1 percent. Lexus reported June sales of 26,121, up 11.1 percent from June 2014. For the first half of the year, TMS reported sales of 1,231,440, up 5.6 percent versus the same period in 2014.

FCA US (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported U.S. sales of 185,035, an 8 percent increase compared with sales in June 2014 for the group’s best June sales since 2006. Year-to-date sales of 1,082,143 is a 6 percent gain over 2014.

American Honda reported June 2015 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 134,397, an increase of 4.2 percent. Year-to-date sales of 739,436 is a 1.8 percent gain over last year. June Honda brand sales reached 118,870 for a gain of 0.9 percent. Acura division June sales of 15,527 is a 33 percent jump.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for June 2015 of 124,228, an increase of 13.3 percent for a June record. Nissan Division finished June with 114,243 sales, up 13 percent and also a June record. Infiniti June sales of 9,985 is up 16.5 percent over last year. Year-to-date Nissan Group sales of 736,483 is a 4.5 percent gain over 2014.

Hyundai Motor America reported its best June sales ever of 67,502, up less than one percent, surpassing the record-setting month of June 2014. Year-to-date sales of 371,150 represents a 1.8 percent increase and marks Hyundai’s best opening six months ever.

Kia Motors America had its best-ever June sales of 54,137 vehicles, up 6.9 percent. Year-to-date Kia sales are 310,952, up 4.6 percent, the best first half in company history.

Subaru of America reported record sales for June 2015 totaling 44,335 vehicles, a 7.2 percent gain over June 2014. Year-to-date sales of 272,418 vehicles is a 14.5 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 30,436, up 5.6 percent from last June while year-to-date sales of 174,442 is a decline of 2.6 percent from 2014. Separately, Audi of America reported its best-ever June sales of 18,262 vehicles, an 8.3 percent gain over last June.Year-to-date Audi sales of 93,615 is up 11 percent over 2014.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported June sales of 38,350 vehicles, an increase of 7.8 percent versus the same month a year ago. Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 6.5 percent in June for a total of 32,176 compared to 30,201 vehicles sold in June, 2014. For June, MINI USA reports 6,174 automobiles sold, an increase of 14.8 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date BMW Group sales of 198,883 is a 9.6 percent gain over 2014.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported record June sales for the Mercedes-Benz brand at 28,044, climbing 5.8 percent from the same month last year. Sprinter delivered 2,442, a 10.9 percent increase in June  with 774  at smart for a monthly total of 31,260 for MBUSA. On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes-Benz retails totaled 164,970, up 8.8 percent. Adding 13,534 for Sprinter and 3,624 for smart, MBUSA achieved a record grand total of 182,128 for the first six months of 2015.

Mazda North American Operations reported June U.S. sales of 27,223 vehicles, representing an increase of 3.9 percent versus last year. Through June, Mazda has sold 158,996 vehicles, up 1.6 percent year-to-date.

Mitsubishi Motors North America sold 7,963, an increase of 32.3 percent from June 2014. Sales for the first half of the year are 49,544, up 24.9 percent over 2014.

Volvo Cars sold 5,984 in the U.S. in June, flat from a year ago while year-to-date sales of 29,367 is a 0.1 percent gain over last year.

Jaguar Land Rover North America today reported June 2015 U.S. sales for both brands of  5,860, an 11 percent increase from June 2014. Land Rover sales reached 4,643, up 15 percent and Jaguar sales were 1,217, down 4 percent. Year-to-date in 2015, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales are up 16 percent from 2014.

Porsche Cars North America June 2015 sales of 4,223 vehicles is up 2.9 percent from a year ago for its strongest June sales month in PCNA history. Year-to-date sales of 25,138 is 9.7 percent higher than 2014.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Former Ford President Phil Benton Passes Away

Philip Benton Jr., former President of Ford Motor Company, died at age 86 at his home in Massachusetts on June 14, according to Automotive News. Benton spent 40 years at Ford, retiring as President and COO in July 1992. The photo (above) was taken from a 1992 KWHY-TV Business Channel interview where Benton discussed the company, cars, challenges and the restructuring of First Nationwide Bank which Ford eventually sold in 1994.