Friday, June 30, 2017

2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Starts At $294,250 In Early 2018


The new 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS, the fastest and most powerful street-legal 911 model ever, is powered by a 700-horsepower 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine mated to a customized GT seven-speed double-clutch Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission. The two-seater accelerates from zero to 60 miles per hour in 2.7 seconds to a top track speed of 211 miles per hour, and it surpasses the 2011 911 GT2 RS by 80 horsepower. The 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS model is available to order with a base MSRP of $294,250 (including the $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee). It will reach U.S. dealers in early 2018.

Jaguar XE SV Project 8


The new Jaguar XE SV Project 8, an all-wheel drive hand-built sedan available in two- and four-seat specification, is powered by a 592 horsepower 5.0-liter supercharged V8 gasoline engine mated to an eight-speed Quickshift® transmission with a top speed of 200 mph.  No more than 300 will be created for global sale.

2018 Maserati GranTurismo


The 2018 Maserati GranTurismo is powered by a 460 horsepower 4.7-liter V8 enginemated to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission. For 2018, the GranTurismo features a new, high resolution 8.4” capacitive touch screen and Harman Kardon Premium Sound system.

Aston Martin RapidE Coming In 2019


Aston Martin RapidE, powered by an all-electric powertrain replacing the six-liter V12 engine, is based on the Rapide AMR Limited, and will enter production in 2019 with a build run of 155 cars.

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

All-New 2018 BMW X3


The all-new 2018 BMW X3, the third generation X3, is 2.2-inches longer than its predecessor and comes with a factory-installed trailer hitch. The BMW X3 xDrive30i is powered by a 248 horsepower 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder gasoline engine, 8 horsepower more than the outgoing BMW X3 xDrive28i and mated to an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with shift paddles. The flagship X3 M40i has a 355 horsepower 3.0-liter M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology 6-cylinder inline engine connected to an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with Launch Control. The all-new 2018 BMW X3 will be available at certified BMW Centers this November with pricing to be announced closer to market launch.

Thursday, June 22, 2017

BMW 640i xDrive Gran Turismo Starts At $70,695 This Fall


The all-new BMW 640i xDrive Gran Turismo is powered by 335 horsepower 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder inline gasoline engine mated to an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with shift paddles and will be available at showrooms in this Fall starting at $70,695 (including $995 destination and handling charge).

All-New 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Starts At $26,245 This Summer


The all-new 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is powered by a 184 horsepower four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter TSI engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and at 185.1 inches long gains 10.6 inches in length over the existing model and features up to 58 percent more cargo space and third-row seating comes standard on FWD models, and is optional on AWD models. The all-new 2018 Tiguan will have S, SE, SEl and SEL Premium trim levels with the turbocharged 2.0L TSI® S FWD model starting at $26,245 (including $900 destination fee) and $27,545 for the 2.0L TSI S 4Motion®. The 2018 Tiguan arrives in dealerships in this Summer.

2018 Subaru Crosstrek Starts At $22,710 Late This Summer


The all-new 2018 Subaru Crosstrek gets a revised 152 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine with direct fuel injection mated to either a new 6-speed manual transmission or a Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with a 7-speed manual mode function with steering wheel paddle shifters, offered in 2.0i base, Premium and Limited trims. The all-new 2018 Subaru Crosstrek pricing begins at just $100 over the last generation model at $22,710 (including $915 destination & delivery charge) with premium trim Crosstreks priced from $$23,510 and 2.0i Limited from $27,210. All 2018 Crosstrek models will have front driver and passenger seat side impact airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag when they arrive at retailers late this Summer.

2017 Nissan TITAN King Cab Starts At $33,745 Now


The 2017 Nissan TITAN King Cab and TITAN XD King Cab models, on sale now at Nissan dealers, with a choice of 390-horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 engine mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission, or a 310 horsepower 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel matched to a 6-speed Aisin A466ND automatic transmission, is offered in 4x4 and 4x2 drive and S, SV and PRO-4X (4x4 only) grade levels. The new King Cab with available 6-person seating offers half-ton and XD versions with a standard 6.5-foot bed length. TITAN S King Cab 4x2 starts at $33,745 (including destination and handling $1,195). TITAN XD King Cab offers an available maximum towing capacity of 12,510 pounds (diesel engine) and maximum payload capacity of 2,710 pounds (gas engine) when properly equipped.

2018 Ford Expedition FX4 Coming This Fall


The all-new 2018 Ford Expedition FX4 Off-Road Package, with a 375 horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine with standard Auto Start-Stop, an all-new 10-speed transmission and available towing of 9,300 pounds, is made of all-new high-strength, aluminum-alloy body and redesigned high-strength steel frame to save up to 300 pounds. Expedition’s all-new Terrain Management System™ lets FX4 customers select from seven special drive modes to adapt to different road conditions. The all-new Expedition lineup, including the FX4 Off-Road Package, goes on sale this Fall.

2018 Cadillac XTS Gets Improvements


The 2018 Cadillac XTS, powered by a 304 horsepower 3.6L V-6 engine or a 410 horsepower twin-turbo 3.6L V-6 standard on the all-wheel drive V-Sport model, receives technical, chassis and appearance changes including improved ride comfort and noise reduction, freshened front and rear fascias, new fenders, and grille. The next-generation Cadillac user experience can be adjusted over time to meet a customer’s evolving connectivity needs, leveraging the cloud to enable personalization, available connected navigation and applications via the Collection app store.

Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Priced At $86,090


The new limited-production, 840-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Demon starts at $86,090 (including $1,700 gas guzzler tax and $1,095 destination charge) with Demons sold at or below MSRP to receive priority scheduling resulting in lower serial numbers and Demons sold at a price that exceeds MSRP will be produced after priority production is completed. Dealers can only order as many Demons as they are allocated.

Jaguar E-PACE Compact SUV Arrives Early Next Year


The Jaguar E-PACE compact SUV, the 2nd performance SUV in the ‘PACE’ line-up, will be revealed to the world on July 13, and will go on sale beginning in early 2018 priced from $39,995 (including $995 destination/handling charge).

All-New 2018 Toyota Camry Starts At $24,380


The all-new 2018 Toyota Camry, available in L, LE, XLE, SE and XSE trim levels, powered by an all-new 206 horsepower 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder D-4S gasoline engine and a new 301 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with D-4S Fuel Injection, both paired to a new eight-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission. The 2018 Camry Hybrid is available in LE, SE, and XLE with an EPA-estimated mpg of 51 city/ 53 highway/52 combined on the LE grade, a 30 percent increase for combined mpg, and 44 city/47 highway/46 combined on the SE and XLE, reflecting an increase of 21 percent for combined mpg. The MSRP for the new 2018 Toyota Camry gas models will range from $24,380 (including the delivery, processing, and handling fee of $885) for the L grade 4-cylinder to $35,835 for the Premium XSE V6.  The MSRP for the Camry hybrid will range from $28,685 for the LE to $33,135 for the XLE.

Thursday, June 15, 2017

2018 Lincoln Navigator All-New Full-Size SUV


2018 Lincoln Navigator, an all-new full-size SUV with three rows that's 200 pounds lighter with its aluminum-alloy body, is powered by a 450 horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine mated to a 10-speed transmission. The all-new Navigator’s cargo management system offers an adjustable shelf behind the rear seats that customized storage so when the vehicle parked on an incline groceries won’t roll out when the liftgate is opened. The all-new Navigator with six USB ports, four 12-volt power outlets and a 110-volt plug. An available wireless phone charger in the first-row center console media bin eliminates tangled cords. Navigator comes with three Lincoln Black Label options of interior design themes and materials.

Genesis GV80 Concept SUV


Genesis GV80 Concept SUV is a new fuel cell concept SUV that utilizes plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric technology. The interior cabin has a bridge instrument panel that stretches from door to door and a wide 22-inch curved display set in the instrument panel cascades into the driver’s cluster, which combines the precision of a classic speedometer with the immersive flow of information from a digital display.

2018 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Coming In 4th Quarter


2018 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, powered by a 707 horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission and delivering 645 lb.-ft. of torque for a 0-60 miles per hour time of 3.5 seconds, quarter mile of 11.6 seconds to a top speed of 180 mph. Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is equipped with the Jeep Quadra-Trac on-demand four-wheel-drive system, which includes an electronic limited-slip rear differential and a single-speed active transfer case and capable of towing 7,200 pounds. Features include a five drive-mode Selec-Track system, an 8.4-standard touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android, AutoTrailer Hitch Camera View at Speed, which allows owners to view trailered items through the rear-mounted camera while moving, and a Valet mode. The 2018 Grand Cherokee Trackhawk will arrive in Jeep showrooms in the fourth quarter.

2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Coming Soon


2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, shown at the New York International Auto Show, is powered by an 840 horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® Demon V-8 engine, the world’s most powerful factory-production V-8, delivering 770 pounds-feet of torque with a 1.8 g-force acceleration for a quarter-mile elapsed time of 9.65 seconds reaching 140 miles per hour. The Demon's 0-30 mph time is 1.0 second and 0-60 mph time is 2.3 seconds. The SRT Demon is first-ever, street-legal factory-production car designed to run on 100+ unleaded high-octane fuel available at select gas stations, specialty shops and drag strips.

Production is limited to 3,000 in the United States and 300 in Canada with sales starting later this summer and deliveries to Dodge//SRT dealers this Fall. All customers who buy the new 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon receive one full-day session at Bob Bondurant School of High-performance Driving.

Monday, June 12, 2017

Hyundai Kona All-New Compact SUV


The Hyundai Kona, with an all-new compact SUV platform developed for the Kona, will offer a 147 horsepower 2.0-liter MPI Atkinson engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission or the 175 horsepower Gamma 1.6T-GDI engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Safety features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist and Driver Attention Warning. The car’s radar systems also assist with the Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collison Warning. Different rear suspension systems have been developed for both 2WD and 4WD. The Kona will go on sale in Korea later this month, followed by North America and Europe.

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

BMW Concept 8 Series


The BMW Concept 8 Series is a preview of the new BMW 8 Series Coupe, slated for launch in 2018.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

James Kuffner, Toyota Research Institute On Self-Driving Cars



James Kuffner, Chief Technology Officer at the Toyota Research Institute in Palo Alto, California, discusses Toyota's role in developing autonomous self-driving cars with automotive journalist Richard Saxton. Kuffner led Google’s robotics program until joining Toyota In January of 2016.

Friday, May 19, 2017

New BMW M5 With M xDrive


The new BMW M5 with the M xDrive system, powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4‑litre V8 engine mated to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, has a rear-biased set-up that only brings the front wheels into play for additional traction when the rear wheels aren’t able to transmit any more power to the road. Every time the engine is started, the BMW M5 defaults to 4WD mode with DSC on and then the driver can choose from five different configurations based on combinations of the DSC modes (DSC on, MDM, DSC off) and M xDrive modes (4WD, 4WD Sport, 2WD).

2018 Volvo XC60 Starts At $44,900 This Fall


The all-new 2018 Volvo XC60 will be available with a 250 horsepower T5 turbocharged gas engine that starts at $41,500, a 316 horsepower supercharged T6 turbo that starts at $44,900, and a 400 horsepower T8 Twin Engine Electric Plug-In Hybrid with electric all-wheel drive that starts at $52,900. Customers configure their vehicle online at volvocars.com/us or order from their local Volvo retailer with the first vehicles arriving this Fall.

2018 BMW 230i and M240i Launch In July


The new 2018 BMW 230i, powered by a 248 horsepower twin-turbo 4-cylinder engine, and M240i, with a 335 horsepower twin-turbo 3.0 liter 6-cylinder engine, will be available in the U.S. as Coupe and Convertible with or without xDrive, BMW’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System and come standard with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission while the new BMW M2 Coupe offers a 6-speed manual transmission and optional 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission. Pricing for the new BMW 2 Series will be announced closer to market launch in July, 2017.

2018 GMC Terrain Starts At $25,970 This Summer


The all-new 2018 GMC Terrain with a choice of three all-new turbocharged engines, leading with a 252 horsepower 2.0L at launch, followed later with a 170 horsepower 1.5L paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission and an available 1.6L turbo-diesel, will start at an MSRP of $25,970 (including a destination charge of $975) when it goes on sale this summer.

Saturday, April 22, 2017

2018 Lexus NX 300


The 2018 Lexus NX 300, formerly called the NX 200t, has had its entire front fascia refreshed, and the NX is now available with headlamps with triple projectors and a larger 10.3 inch center dashboard display from seven inches. Nearly all the controls and switches inside the new NX, including the drive mode selector, shift knob and door handles, now have a metallic satin finish. The NX 300 will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4, while the NX 300h’s hybrid drivetrain will continue with a 2.5-liter inline-4 combined with a pair of electric motors. The NX F SPORT will continue with jet-black plating and bright machine finished wheels with black solid paint.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan


The newly updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan now includes the S450 and S450 4MATIC with a 362 horsepower 3.0L V6 biturbo engine. A new 463 horsepower 4.0L V8 biturbo engine is in the S560 and Mercedes-Maybach S560 4MATIC, a 603 horsepower AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine with cylinder deactivation with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9-speed transmission in the S63 Sedan, and a 621 horsepower AMG 6.0L V12 biturbo engine with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT® PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission in the Mercedes-AMG S65. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan moves towards autonomous driving with Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist to keep a safe distance and steer and the speed is now adjusted automatically ahead of curves or junctions. Enhanced camera and radar systems give an even better view of the surrounding traffic and map and navigation data calculate driving behavior.

The Mercedes-Benz Concept A Sedan


Volkswagen I.D. CROZZ Electric Concept CUV


The Volkswagen I.D. CROZZ four-door coupe is VW's first electrically powered crossover utility vehicle kicking off a new fleet of electric vehicles that will start full production in 2020. The I.D. CROZZ has two electric motors developing 302 horsepower, a 201 horsepower motor at the back and a 101 horsepower coaxial drive system at the front, to directly drive their respective axles. Top speed is 112 mph and it can cover up to 311 miles on one battery charge. Using a 150 kW (DC) fast charger, the battery can be 80 percent recharged within 30 minutes. The 83 kWh lithium-ion battery is housed in the CUV's floor. The I.D. CROZZ can also be permanently driven with all-wheel drive. The I.D. CROZZ concept car already has an on-demand autopilot system that in the fully automated 'I.D. Pilot' mode retracts the multifunctional steering wheel into the dashboard and fuses with the digitalized instruments to form a single unit. In both automatic and manual mode the driver also receives speed and navigation information via an augmented reality head-up display. The I.D. CROZZ is 182.1 inches long, with a 109.2-inch wheelbase, and is 74.4 inches wide and 63.3 inches tall. The concept car offers similar interior space to the all-new 2018 long-wheelbase Tiguan, but is 3 inches shorter, 1.9 inches lower and 2.2 inches wider.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

2018 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Coming In The Fourth Quarter


The new 2018 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trackhawk with a 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine combines with an upgraded high-torque capacity TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, for a quarter mile time of 11.6 seconds at 116 mph to top speed of 180 mph. The Selec-Track system on the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk uses performance-tuned software for Auto, Sport, Track, Snow and Tow modes. There is a choice of two audio systems, including an 825-watt Harman Kardon high-performance audio system with 19-speakers and two subwoofers. Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is capable of towing 7,200 pounds and will race into Jeep showrooms in the fourth quarter of this year.


Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, Clarity Electric Coming Later This Year


The all-new Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, Clarity Electric will join the already available Clarity Fuel Cell later this year. The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, offered in standard and Touring trims, is anticipated to earn an all-electric driving range rating of 42 miles and for longer trips can utilize its 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine to generate electricity and, under certain conditions, to act as a direct power source, resulting in an anticipated overall driving range rating in excess of 330 miles. The vehicle's electromotive power comes from a 181-horsepower electric motor and a 17-kilowatt hour battery pack with a recharge time of 2.5 hours at 240 volts. The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid is anticipated to earn an EPA fuel economy rating of 105 MPGe (miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent) combined.

The 2017 Honda Clarity Electric is powered by a 161-horsepower (120-kilowatt) electric motor and drawing power from a 25.5-kWh battery pack. The vehicle can by fully charged in just over three hours at 240 volts, and when using DC fast charging with the SAE Combined Charging System can achieve an 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes. The model is anticipated to have an anticipated EPA fuel economy rating of 120/102/111 MPGe.

Honda says it will target U.S. sales of 75,000 Clarity vehicles in the first four model years.

2018 Jaguar F-TYPE Starts At $60,895 Later This Year


The 2018 Jaguar F-TYPE sports car, with 24 derivatives, offers a new 296 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged Ingenium engine and a number of supercharged V6 options including the 400 SPORT special edition model, a 400 horsepower version of the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine offered only for the 2018 model year, the 550 horsepower supercharged V8 F-TYPE R, and an all-wheel drive 575 horsepower V8 powered F-TYPE SVR. The 2018 Jaguar F-TYPE will be available later this year priced from $60,895 (includes $995 destination/handling charge).

Subaru Ascent 7-Passenger SUV Concept Coming Next Year


The Subaru Ascent SUV Concept is a 7-passenger, 3-row SUV that will be sold exclusively in the North American market starting in 2018.

2018 Buick Enclave Coming This Fall


The 2018 Buick Enclave all-new seven-passenger midsize luxury SUV on a longer wheelbase providing 5.6 more inches of third row legroom is available in Enclave, Essence and Premium trim levels, and powered by a standard 302 horsepower 3.6L V-6 engine with stop/start technology paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 2018 Buick Enclave goes on sale this Fall.

Mercedes-AMG GLC63 Mid-size SUV


Mercedes-AMG GLC63, a mid-size SUV, has a 469 horsepower AMG 4.0L V8 engine paired with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all- wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.9 seconds. Joining the new Mercedes-AMG GLC63 SUV is the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 Coupe and GLC63 S Coupe which delivers 503 horsepower and a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.7 seconds.

2018 Lexus LS 500 F SPORT


The 2018 Lexus LS 500 F SPORT, with an all-new 415 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, has a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds. The LS 500h F SPORT has a new Multi Stage Hybrid System combining a naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with two electric motor/generators and uses a compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery for a combined system output of 354 horsepower.


Friday, April 7, 2017

2018 Subaru Outback Arrives This Summer


The 2018 Subaru Outback, with revised front and rear styling, has Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring powered by a 175 horsepower double overhead cam 2.5-liter BOXER engine or a 256 horsepower 3.6-liter 6-cylinder BOXER engine in the Outback 3.6R Lineartronic both mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) now with a seven-speed manual mode and paddle shift control switches. The 2018 Outback 2.5i will be available in standard, Premium, Limited and Touring trims while the 3.6R will offer Limited and Touring trims. The 2018 Outback adds available new Steering Responsive Headlights with LED headlights that aim the lights into turns as the driver steers. The Limited and Touring models offer EyeSight Driver Assist Technology feature High Beam Assist, which automatically turns the high beams on and off depending on traffic conditions. Also new for 2018, the tire pressure monitoring system that detects pressure changes at individual tires. The Blind Spot Detection/Rear Cross Traffic Alert indicator lamp is larger and has been moved from the mirror’s surface to its side. Automatic locking doors are also new, and improved LATCH anchors make child seat installation easier. The 2018 Outback arrives this summer.

Monday, April 3, 2017

March 2017 U.S Auto Sales

General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac) total March sales were 256,224, up 1.6 percent. Year-to-date sales are 689,521, a gain of 1.9 percent.

Ford Motor Company U.S. March 2017 sales totaled 236,250 vehicles, a 7.2 percent decline versus a year ago. Year-to-date sales are 617,302, down 4.4 percent.

Toyota Motor North America reported its U.S. March 2017 sales of 215,224 units, a decrease of 2.1 percent from March 2016. Toyota division posted March 2017 sales of 187,289 units, down 1.2 percent while Lexus posted sales of 27,935, down 7.5 percent.

FCA US (Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported U.S. sales of 190,254, a 5 percent decrease compared with sales in March 2016. Year-to-date sales are 510,798, down 8 percent.

Nissan Group announced U.S. sales in March 2017 set an all-time record at 168,832 units, an increase of 3 percent over the prior year.

American Honda Motor reported total March sales of 137,227 Honda and Acura vehicles, a decrease of 0.7 percent over March 2016. Honda Division was up 1.8 percent on sales of 125,531 units while Acura Division sales were down 21.2 percent in March, on sales of 11,696 vehicles.

Hyundai Motor America reported sales of 69,265 for the month of March, down eight percent versus a record-setting March 2016. Year-to-date sales are 168,792.

Kia Motors America announced March sales of 49,429 units. Year-to-date sales are 127,728.

Subaru of America reported 54,871 vehicle sales for March 2017, an 11.3 percent increase over March 2016, and the best March in the history of the company. The automaker also reported year-to-date sales of 144,250 vehicles, a 9 percent gain over the same period in 2016.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 27,635 in March 2017, a 2.7 percent increase over March 2016. Year-to-date sales through March are 76,290, an increase of 10.1 percent. Separately,  Audi of America reported March sales of 18,705, an increase of 2 percent.

Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 3.3 percent in March for a total of 31,015 compared to March, 2016. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 1.5 percent in the U.S. on sales of 71,682 vehicles compared to the first three months of 2016.

Mercedes-Benz reported March sales of 29,092, up 3.3 percent from the same month last year. Adding 2,871 units for Vans and 389 units for smart, Mercedes-Benz USA achieved a grand total of 32,352 vehicles for the month, up 2 percent from a year ago. Year-to-date, MBUSA also achieved a record close of 87,635 units, up 3.9 percent.

Mazda North American Operations reported March U.S. sales of 24,549 vehicles, representing an increase of 4.9 percent versus March of last year. Year-to-date sales through March are 69,071, up 6.8 percent versus last year.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported March 2017 sales of 11,766 an increase of 6.2 percent over March 2016.

Volvo Car USA reported U.S. sales of 5,356 vehicles for the month of March, a 21.9 percent decrease. Year to date sales are down 17.6 percent.

Porsche Cars North America announced March 2017 sales of 4,479 vehicles, a 3.6 percent sales increase over March 2016 and a first quarter gain of 3.9 percent over the same period last year. Year-to-date 2017 sales stand at 12,718 vehicles.

Monday, March 27, 2017

2018 Toyota Yaris Coming This Summer


The 2018 Toyota Yaris hatchback with a new front and restyled rear for a wider look and stance comes in three-door and five-door body styles in three grades, the three-door L and LE, and the five-door Sporty SE. will now be equipped standard the Entune™ Multimedia Bundle with a 6.1-inch touch-screen display, AM/FM CD player, MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, auxiliary audio jack, USB 2.0 port with iPod®  connectivity and control, advanced voice recognition, hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology, and Siri® Eyes Free. The 2018 Yaris will be available this Summer.

2018 Toyota Sienna Coming This Fall


The 2018 Toyota Sienna, powered by a 296 horsepower 3.5-liter V6, is available in L, LE, SE, XLE and Limited grades with available all-wheel-drive. Safety features include Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Automatic High Beams. The 2018 Sienna will be reaching Toyota dealerships in the Fall of 2017.

Saturday, March 18, 2017

2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Arrives In Early April For $52,935


The 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, with a total system output of 321 horsepower, has more than 30 additional horsepower and a 45 percent higher EPA city fuel economy rating as compared to the conventionally-powered MDX SH-AWD with its three-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® powertrain, a 3.0-liter and the SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid will arrive at showrooms in early April with a starting MSRP of $52,935 (including $975 destination charge). It comes in MDX with Technology Package and the MDX with Advance Package for another $6,040.

All 2017 Acura MDX models come equipped with Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with low-speed follow and Road Departure Mitigation. All models also come equipped with a multi-angle rearview camera, and the top grade adds blind spot information, front and rear parking sensors, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor and new Auto High Beam.

Friday, March 10, 2017

McLaren 720S


The McLaren 720S, powered by a 710 horsepower new, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that accelerates from 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds to reach a maximum speed of 212mph, is lighter, faster and even more dynamically capable than its McLaren 650S predecessor.

Hyundai FE Fuel Cell Concept


Hyundai FE Fuel Cell Concept is Hyundai's fourth generation of hydrogen fuel cell technology and when compared with the current generation system used in the Tucson ix35 Fuel Cell, the new technology is 20% lighter, and achieves 10% greater efficiency. In addition, the power density of the fuel cell stack is increased by 30%, boosting the car’s range significantly. Elements of the FE Fuel Cell Concept will influence an SUV Fuel Cell model set for launch in 2018, which will feature advanced ‘Hyundai Smart Sense’ driver assistance technologies, alongside an extensive hydrogen-powered range.

New Volvo XC60 Goes Into Production In Mid-April


The new Volvo XC60 powered by a 400  horsepower T8 Twin Engine gas plug-in hybrid at the top of the powertrain range delivers acceleration from 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds. Steer Assist has been added to the City Safety system and a new safety system called Oncoming Lane Mitigation uses steer assist to help mitigate head-on collisions, while Volvo’s Blind Spot Indication System now uses Steer Assist functionality to reduce the risk of lane-changing collisions. The new XC60 is set to go into production in mid-April at the Torslanda Plant in Sweden.

2018 Lexus LS 500h


The 2018 Lexus LS 500h, the full hybrid version of Lexus’ new flagship sedan, with a 3.5-liter V6 Dual VVT-i gasoline engine and two electric motors together delivering maximum system power of 354 horsepower. The Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System Compact, lightweight, lithium-ion hybrid battery is 20 percent smaller with a higher power density than the current LS 600h L and at 123 inches, the wheelbase of the new LS is 1.3-inches longer than on the current long wheelbase LS 600h L.

2017 Honda Civic Type R Coming In Late Spring


The 2017 Honda Civic Type R, powered by a 306 horsepower 2.0-liter i-VTEC® DI TURBO delivering 295 lb-ft. of torque mated exclusively to a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission with rev matching capability, shares the body style of the 5-door hatchback variant and is slated to go on sale in the U.S. in late Spring with an MSRP in the mid-$30k range.

Aston Martin Valkyrie


The Aston Martin Valkyrie, co-developed by Aston Martin and Red Bull Advanced Technologies.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Bentley Bentayga Mulliner SUV This Spring


Bentley Bentayga Mulliner with a 600 horsepower 6.0-liter W12 engine with a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph will be available to order this Spring. Features include Bentley Dynamic Ride which instantly counteracts lateral rolling forces when cornering, the Naim for Bentley Audio system with twenty speakers driven by a 1,950-watt, 21-channel amplifier, and a remote-controlled Parking Heater function that allows the interior to be heated or cooled when the engine is switched off, while electric rear window blinds and a double sun-visor are also available with the Sunshine Specification. Standard driver assistance features include Park Assist, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Assist, Night Vision and a Head-Up Display.

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet On Sale By Year End


The all-new 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, powered by a 3.0L V6 biturbo engine mated to the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission, has a soft-top that can be fully opened and closed in 20 seconds when travelling at a speed of up to 30 mph. The four-seat convertible offers 4MATIC all-wheel drive and an AIRCAP® and AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system to enhance comfort when driving with the roof down. The new E-Class Cabriolet has grown in length, width and wheelbase with a vehicle length of 190-in, a width of 73.2-in and a height of 56.2-in. The all-new 2018 E-Class Cabriolet will go on sale in the U.S. by the end of the year.

February 2017 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac) total sales were 237,388, up 4 percent.

Ford Motor Company U.S. sales totaled 208,440 vehicles in February, a 4 percent decline versus a year ago. Lincoln sales totaled 8,744 vehicles, a 9 percent increase.

Toyota Motor North America reported its US February 2017 sales of 174,339 vehicles, a decrease of 7.2 percent from February 2016. Toyota division posted February sales of 156,001, down 5.4 percent while Lexus posted February sales of 18,338 vehicles, down 20.6 percent.

FCA US (Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported U.S. sales of 168,326, a 10 percent decrease compared with sales in February 2016. Separately Maserati reported sales of 1,087, a gain of 49 percent over 2016.

American Honda reported total February sales of 121,686 Honda and Acura vehicles, an increase of 2.3 percent over February 2016 and a new record for the month. Honda Division sales gained 4.3 percent on sales of 110,822 while Acura Division sales were down 14.9 percent, with 10,864 vehicles sold in February.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for February 2017 of 135,740, an increase of 4 percent over the prior year and a February record. Nissan Division finished February with 122,003 sales, up 1 percent and also a February record.

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai & Genesis) announced its best February ever, with sales totaling 53,020 for the month, 11 vehicles more than a year ago.

Kia Motors America announced February sales of 42,673, a 14.2 percent decrease from 2016.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 25,145 in February 2017, a 12.7 percent increase over February 2016. With 48,655 units delivered year-to-date in 2017, VW is reporting an increase of 14.7 percent in year-over-year sales. Separately, Audi of America’s February sales increased 17 percent to 13,741 vehicles. Through the first two months of 2017, Audi U.S. sales have risen 14 percent to 26,942 vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz reported the highest February sales in its history with 24,522 units up 6.9 percent from February 2016. Adding 2,513 units for Vans and 348 units for smart, Mercedes-Benz USA achieved its highest February to date with a grand total of 27,383 vehicles, up 6.8 percent from a year ago.

Mazda North American Operations reported February U.S. sales of 22,824 vehicles, representing an increase of 5.9 percent versus February of last year. Year-to-date sales of 44,522 through February are up 7.9 percent versus last year.

Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 0.3 percent in February for a total of 22,558. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 0.2 percent in the U.S. on sales of 40,667 vehicles compared to 40,580 sold in the first two months of 2016.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported February 2017 sales of 10,924, an increase of 38.8 percent over February 2016.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported February 2017 U.S. sales for both brands hit 9,231, a 16 percent increase making it the best ever Jaguar Land Rover February sales month. Jaguar sales were 3,484, a 130 percent increase while Land Rover sales reached 5,747, down 10 percent.

Volvo Car USA reported U.S. sales of 4,651 vehicles for the month of February, an 11.6 percent decrease. Year to date sales are down 14.5 percent.

Porsche Cars North America announced February 2017 sales of 3,637 vehicles, up 2.1 percent over February 2016. Year-to-date Porsche recorded 8,239 vehicle sales, a 4.1 percent increase over the same period last year.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Volkswagen Arteon Fastback Coupe Coming Soon


The Volkswagen Arteon is a new fastback model positioned above the Passat offering a spacious interior for this type of body style, with ample head and legroom for all the seats. The Arteon has the latest generation of driver assistance systems that are typically found in luxury automobiles. The new Volkswagen Arteon will makes its world debut soon at the Geneva Auto Show.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Range Rover Velar To Join Range Rover Line Up


The new Range Rover Velar, the fourth member of the Range Rover family that fits between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport, will be unveiled on March 1, at the at the 2017 New York International Auto Show.