Tuesday, October 24, 2017

All-New 2018 Audi A7 Sportback Coming Next Year


The all-new 2018 Audi A7 Sportback will initially launch with the 340 horsepower 3.0 V6 TFSI engine paired with a seven speed S tronic transmission taking it from 0 to 62 mph in 5.3 seconds to a top speed of 155 mph and features a total of 39 driver assistance systems split up into three packages: the Audi AI parking package (gradual introduction beginning 2018), the City assist package with the new crossing assist, and the Tour assist package. All-wheel steering moves the rear axle with a spindle drive that turns the wheels by as much as 5 degrees. The optional sport differential actively distributes drive torque between the rear wheels, complementing quattro all-wheel drive. The optional voice control with MMI navigation plus, allows the natural speech dialogue system to process questions and commands in two ways – with information stored onboard and at the same time with detailed knowledge from the cloud. The new Audi A7 Sportback will launch in the German market in late February 2018.

2018 911 Porsche Carrera T Starts At $103,150 In March


The new 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T ("T" for Touring), powered by a 370 horsepower twin-turbo 3.0 flat-six engine mated to a manual transmission, at 3,142 pounds is lighter, and has a shorter constant transaxle ratio, and a standard mechanical rear differential lock delivering zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds to a top track speed of 182 mph. The 911 Carrera T is equipped with several performance-enhancing features that are not available on the standard 911 Carrera like the PASM Sport Suspension with a 0.39-inch lower ride height, a shortened gear lever with an embossed shift pattern in red, and seat centers made of Sport-Tex material. Rear-axle steering is an option for the 911 Carrera T. The 2018 911 Carrera T is now available for ordering and is expected to reach U.S. dealers by March 2018. The base MSRP is $103,150 (including the $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee).

2018 Chevrolet Traverse SUP concept Coming To SEMA


The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse SUP concept to be shown at the SEMA Show, Oct. 31-Nov. 3 in Las Vegas, features a stand up paddleboard carrier by Thule®, Blue Wave bodyside graphics and yellow stripes, dark gray fascias, rockers and wheel opening trim, gloss black bodyside molding and glass black foglamp bezels.

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Volvo's Polestar Performance Brand Taking Orders


Polestar, Volvo Car Group’s performance brand, unveiled its first three planned made-in-China cars. Polestar 1 is a 600 horsepower  two-door, 2+2 seat carbon fiber body Grand Tourer CoupĂ© with an ‘Electric Performance Hybrid’ drivetrain, set to roll off the production line in mid-2019. Polestar 1 is an electric car supported by an internal combustion engine with a range of 93 miles on pure electric power. Polestar 2 will start production later in 2019 and will be the first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) from the Volvo Car Group. It will be a mid-sized BEV, joining the competition around the Tesla Model 3, and with consequently higher volumes than Polestar 1. The Polestar 3 is a larger SUV-style BEV. Cars will be ordered 100% online and offered on a two or three year subscription basis. The zero-deposit, all-inclusive subscription will also add features such as pick-up and delivery servicing and the ability to rent alternative vehicles within the Volvo and Polestar range, all incorporated into one monthly payment.

All-New 2018 Honda Accord Goes On Sale Today


The all-new 2018 Honda Accord 1.5T goes on sale today with a starting MSRP of $24,445 (including $875 destination charge) with an EPA fuel economy rating of 30/38/33 mpg (city/highway/combined). The all-new 2018 Honda Accord 1.5T is powered by a new 192-horsepower VTEC Turbo® inline 4-cylinder engine with a Continuously Variable Transmission in all LX, EX, EX-L and EX-L Navi trims and with either the CVT or a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission in Sport trim. The Accord 2.0T, arriving next month, will be powered by a 252 horsepower 2.0-liter VTEC Turbo® engine. The Accord Hybrid, featuring the third-generation of Honda's two-motor hybrid powertrain, will join the lineup in early 2018.

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Ivan "Ironman" Stewart and a 1984 Baja 1000 TV Report


Ivan "Ironman" Stewart, 72, won a record 17 Baja 500 off-road races and three Baja 1000's and a total of 82 races in a career than spanned from 1973 to 1999. He joined the Toyota factory team in 1983 and recently talked about his racing experiences at the Toyota car museum in Torrance, California (which will soon be closing and moving to Texas). He discussed the challenges of constantly reacting to the changing, unpredictable, rugged terrain in off-road racing, specifically down the Baja peninsula. The demanding endurance Baja races could last as long as 20 hours straight, and without bathroom stops, it necessitated a catheter device to take care of relieving oneself (pictured left). Ivan said before the start of one race he sent his crew chief into fits when there was fluid on the ground under his vehicle. It wasn't anything mechanical, too much coffee forced Ivan to take leak sooner than expected. Races today are much different with the help of GPS, state-of-the-art communications and extensive TV coverage.

Back in 1984 as a KGTV San Diego sportscaster (above right) I spent the good part of a day covering the Baja 1000 and appeared to be the only media around. 
Click here to watch video.


Thursday, October 5, 2017

1992 Video: Interview with Chrysler Chairman Lee Iacocca


Lee Iacocca, Chairman of Chrysler Corporation is interviewed on KWHY-TV- The Business Channel, UHF22, Los Angeles, just months before his retirement in 1992. His discusses the turnarounds, cost cutting and new cars.

Click here to watch interview.


Friday, September 29, 2017

2017 OC Auto Show Video: 2018 Hyundai Accent Arrives In November

Michael Evanoff - Hyundai Motor America

The fifth-generation, all-new 2018 Hyundai Accent, powered by an updated 130 horsepower 1.6-liter GDI Dual-CVVT 4-cylinder engine with standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission, made its U.S. debut at the Orange County Auto Show in Anaheim to kick off the weekend exhibition across the street from Disneyland. A six-airbag system is standard, along with Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control and ABS. Pricing will announced closer to the November on-sale date.

Click here to view the interview with Hyundai Product Planning Manager Michael Evanoff. 

Thursday, September 28, 2017

2018 Cars To See At The OC Auto Show This Weekend

2018 Toyota Camry


2018 Honda Accord


2018 Lincoln Navigator


Infiniti QX50


2018 Hyundai Accent



2018 Subaru CrossTrek



2018 Chevrolet Equinox



2018 Audi A5 Sportback



2018 Genesis G80 Sport


Genesis GV80 Concept







Tuesday, September 26, 2017

2018 Kia Stinger Coming To The U.S. in December


The all-new 2018 Kia Stinger powered by a 255 horsepower 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder Theta II engine propelling the Stinger from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds or an available 365 horsepower 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 Lambda II engine mated to a second-generation eight-speed rear-drive automatic transmission to challenge the Audi S5 Sportback, BMW 440i Gran Coupe, and Infiniti Q50. The Stinger GT accelerates to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds to a governed top speed of 167 mph. The Stinger is planned to go on sale in the U.S. in December.

2018 Lexus LS Coming In February For Around $75,000


The all-new, fifth-generation Lexus LS flagship sedan is powered by an all-new 60-degree 416 horsepower twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine specifically for the new LS mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. In RWD form, the new LS 500 sees a 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds. The new LS goes on sale in the U.S. in February, starting around $75,000. The LS Hybrid has a 354 horsepower Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with two electric motor/generators and uses a compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery enabling the LS 500h to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds (RWD). There's an LS 500 F SPORT RWD model (shown above) coming as well.

2018 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo This Spring


The 2018 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo delivers a total output of 680 horsepower derived from the 918 Spyder with a 136 horsepower electric motor and a 550 horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine delivering a zero to 60 mph time of 3.2 seconds to a top track speed of 192 mph. The electric motor is powered via a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 14.1 kWh. Charging time is less than three hours with a 240 V, 40 amp connection to an optional 7.2 kW on-board charger. The 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo is available to order now and is expected to reach U.S. dealers in Spring of 2018. The base MSRP is $189,450 (including $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee).

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Volvo XC40 Goes Into Production In November


The Volvo XC40 SUV, the first model on Volvo Cars’ new Compact Modular Architecture, at launch will offer the T5 all-wheel drive Momentum trim and will start at $35,200. In summer 2018, a T4 front wheel drive will be introduced starting at $33,200 while more powertrain options, including a hybridized as well as a pure electric version, will be added later. Production of the new XC40 starts in Volvo Cars’ plant in Ghent, Belgium in November.

2018 Kia Rio Starts At $13,900 Early October


The all-new, fourth-generation 2018 Kia Rio sedan and 5-door hatchback, powered by a 130 horsepower 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine and offered in LX, S and EX trim levels, has been lengthened to 172.6 inches (from 172.0 inches) and the Rio 5-door is now 160.0 inches long (from 159.4 inches) on a longer wheelbase of 101.6 inches (from 101.2 inches) and more upright A-pillars. The sedan and 5-door are also lower and wider compared to the outgoing model with the rear now more upright thanks to shorter overhangs and thinner, more expressive taillights. Like the front-end, the rear view of the car is wider. The 2018 Kia Rio starts at $13,900 (excluding destination and handling) for the LX sedan and $14,200 for the LX hatchback and is expected to arrive in Kia retailers beginning early October.

2019 Mercedes-Benz S560e Coming Mid-2019


The 2019 Mercedes-Benz S560e sedan's hybrid drive system combines the 362 horsepower V6 spark-ignition engine with an electric output of 90 kW and is mated to the third-generation hybrid transmission based on the 9G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with the torque converter, clutch and electric motor housed in the hybrid drive unit. The S560e has an approximate all-electric range of 25 miles and despite the battery size remaining unchanged, the new lithium-ion battery has an increased rated capacity of 13.5 kWh. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz S560e Sedan is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in mid-2019.

Monday, September 18, 2017

Genesis G70 Will Join Hyundai's Luxury Brand Next Year


The Genesis G70 luxury performance sedan, offered in ten exterior colors and powered by a choice of a 365 horsepower turbocharged 3.3-liter gasoline V6, a 249 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline I4, or a 199 horsepower 2.2-liter I4 diesel engine joins the G80 and G90 in Hyundai's luxury Genesis brand. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Blind spot Collision Warning and Driver Awareness Warning have been added as part of the ‘Genesis Active Safety Control’. When the driver’s body information is inputed into the smart posture control system, it automatically adjusts the seat, steering wheel, outside mirror and heads-up display to the optimal position. Overseas product specifications in markets including North America are planned to be announced in early 2018.

2017 Volkswagen e-Golf Starts At $31,315 With 125 mile Range


The 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf fully-electric vehicle offers a longer EPA-estimated range of 125 miles on a single charge, 50% more than its predecessor and the starting price is $31,315 (including $820 destination charge). The 7.2 kW on-board charger is now standard on all trims, which enables the battery to be charged in less than six hours at a 240V charging station. The electric motor now develops 134 horsepower compared to 115 horsepower on the 2016 model. Overall fuel economy has improved to an EPA estimated 126 MPGe for city driving, 119 MPGe highway for a combined city/ highway at 119 MPGe. There's an e-Golf Limited Edition with DC Fast Charging capability, V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces, and Park Distance Control (ParkPilot), with a new feature called Maneuver Braking (arriving late in the model year), which can help driver avoid or mitigate the effects of a collision with stationary objects while parking. The e-Golf SEL Premium offers an optional Driver Assistance package ($1,395), including the 12.3-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Lane Assist,  Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, Park Assist and Light Assist. (Late availability for the Driver Assistance Package).

2018 Nissan Pathfinder Starts at $31,765 Now


The seven-passenger 2018 Nissan Pathfinder starts at $31,765 (including $975 destination and handling charge) topping out at nearly $45,000 and is offered in 2-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive configurations, and in S, SV, SL and Platinum grade levels. New features include standard Automatic Emergency Braking, an enhanced Midnight Edition appearance package and a Rear Door Alert system to help remind Nissan owners to check the rear seat by using a series of distinctive honks as the driver is walking away from the vehicle. The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is now on sale.

Hyundai i30 N - High Performance Sedan


The high performance Hyundai i30 N, built on the new generation i30, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine available with the standard 247 horsepower or the Performance Package  271 horsepower, is Hyundai Motor’s first high-performance car under the N line-up inspired by motorsport. The Hyundai i30 N made its debut at the 67th International Frankfurt Motor Show but will it come to the U.S.?

2018 Maserati Ghibli Offers New Trims


The new 2018 Maserati Ghibli with GranLusso (above) and GranSport trims are distinguished primarily by the restyling of the front and rear bumpers. The Ghibli GranLusso has an enhanced exterior finish and Ermenegildo Zegna silk upholstery while the Ghibli GranSport reflects Maserati’s racing heritage displaying sportier exterior design and interior contents. The top-range Ghibli S and S Q4 versions now deliver 424 horsepower. The new Ghibli has adopted the Integrated Vehicle Control system, which helps to prevent vehicle instability and the introduction of the Electric Power Steering improves the car’s handling and comfort. The new Advanced Driving Assistance Systems are available as an option in the Ghibli. In addition to the existing features, they now include active functions like Highway Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.

2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo For $125,650 Next Fall


The 2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo, powered by a 550 horsepower twin-turbo 4.0 liter V8 engine with Standard Porsche Traction Management all-wheel drive that works with the new eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, drives zero to 60 mph acceleration in as little as 3.7 seconds when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package toward a top track speed of 177 mph. The new lightweight chassis helps improve driving dynamics versus its predecessor and the combination of a new three-chamber air suspension with the Porsche Active Suspension Management active shock-absorbers extends the range considerably. By using three air chambers per spring strut, the chassis is able to map a wider range of spring rates than the previous system could, allowing for improvements in both comfort- and performance-focused settings. With six selectable height levels, the ground clearance can be manually adjusted to suit the off-road terrain.The new 2019 Cayenne Turbo will be available for ordering in the U.S. market in December, with arrival at dealers in Fall 2018. MSRP is $125,650 (including $1,050 for delivery and processing).

Land Rover Discovery SVX Goes Into Production Next Year



The Land Rover Discovery SVX, powered by a 518 horsepower supercharged 5.0 liter V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with twin-speed transfer box, is designed to reward off-road driving enthusiasts with suspension modifications and features including Hill Descent Control, Electronic Traction Control, Adaptive Dynamics, Dynamic Stability Control, All-Terrain Progress Control and variable ratio electric power-assisted steering. The Land Rover Discovery SVX is equipped with a Pistol Shifter for gear selection in off-road manoeuvres and active center and electronic rear locking differentials which work with the specially tuned Terrain Response 2 system to optimize traction on all surfaces. The Land Rover Discovery SVX will begin production next year.

2018 Nissan LEAF EV Coming Early Next Year


The 2018 Nissan LEAF EV with a 150-mile driving range will go on sale in all 50 states in early 2018 for $30,875 (including $885 destination charge), less than the 2017 model. New features include ProPILOT™ Assist, a "hands-on" system which reduces the amount of driver acceleration, steering and braking input under certain driving conditions. e-Pedal lets drivers start, accelerate, decelerate and stop by increasing or decreasing the pressure applied to the accelerator. When the accelerator is fully released, regenerative and friction brakes are applied automatically, bringing the LEAF to a complete stop, even on uphill slopes, until the accelerator is pressed again.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

812 Ferrari Superfast - Superdream


The 812 Ferrari Superfast powered by a front-engined 789 horsepower 6.5 liter V12 engine, 59 more horsepower than the predecessor F12berlinetta and mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 812 Ferrari Superfast has the Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system which combines electric front-wheel steering assistance with the mechanical concept built around tire dimensions and the rear-wheel steering. Three pairs of curved dams were adopted on the underbody and are responsible for 30% of the increase in downforce compared to the F12berlinetta. The Brembo Extreme Design brakes combined with the Hi-Performance ABS of the 9.1 Premium ESP, improves the braking performance from 62 mph by 5.8% compare to the F12berlinetta. What a dream!

2018 BMW i3 and 2018 BMW i3s To Debut In Frankfurt


The 2018 BMW i3 has a 170 horsepower electric motor which accelerates from 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds with an electronic top speed of 93 mph. The first ever BMW i3s has a high output 184 horsepower electric motor taking it from 0-60 in 6.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 100 mph. A two-cylinder range extender gasoline engine is available as an option for all BMW i3 models which extends the car’s overall range in everyday use by 87 miles, increasing it from around 97 miles to a maximum of 180 miles. Both come with the latest version of iDrive, which provides an intuitive interface for controlling numerous vehicle, infotainment, communications and navigation functions, specifically designed for BMW i. The 2018 BMW i3 and BMW i3s will debut at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt next month with pricing being announced closer to market launch.

Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet


The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet, designed as an electric car, has a drive system with four compact permanent magnet synchronous electric motors and a flat battery in the underbody producing an all-wheel drive output of 750 horsepower with acceleration from 0-60 mph in under four seconds to a top speed electronically governed at 155 mph and a range of over 200 miles. The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet is limited to 300 worldwide.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

2018 BMW M5 Coming Next Spring


The 2018 BMW M5, in its 6th generation, powered by a 600 horsepower twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine mated to a new 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, will have a first ever BMW M xDrive system with 2WD capability. The rear-biased set-up ensures that the front wheels only come into play when the rear wheels are not able to transmit any more torque to the road. With 40 more horsepower than the outgoing model its 0–60 mph acceleration is 3.2 seconds. The all-new 2018 BMW M5 will be available at certified BMW Centers in Spring 2018 with pricing to be announced closer to market launch.

Volkswagen I.D. BUZZ Coming In 2022


The Volkswagen I.D. BUZZ concept car, a fully electric vehicle, shown at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, will arrive at dealerships in 2022, after the compact four-door I.D. makes its debut. The production version of the I.D. BUZZ will incorporate many design ideas from the concept car, including multi-variable seating, interactive connectivity and highly automated driving. Volkswagen is mainly targeting markets in North America, Europe and China for the I.D. BUZZ.

New Hyundai Fuel Cell Vehicle Coming Next Year


Hyundai’s second commercially produced hydrogen model uses the company’s fourth generation of hydrogen fuel cell technology which boasts an efficiency level of 60%, or a 9% increase from the the predecessor Tucson Fuel Cell’s 55.3%. The new model targets a driving range of more than 360 miles on a single charge (based on Korean testing standards) with maximum output of 161 horsepower, a 20% increase compared to its predecessor. Hyundai will reveal the new hydrogen SUV early next year in Korea, followed by the North American and European markets.

BMW Concept 8 Series, A Preview Of Next Year's Model


After an eighteen year hiatus, the ‘8 Series’ name returns to the BMW portfolio with the BMW Concept 8 Series, a preview of a forthcoming BMW model slated for launch in 2018.

BMW Concept Z4 Roadster


BMW Concept Z4 Roadster

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Starts At $20,235, GT Sport At $24,135


The 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT, powered by a 161 horsepower 2.0L GDI 4-cylinder engine with either a six-speed manual or available six-speed automatic transmission has a starting price of $20,235 (including $885 destination charge). Features include available wireless charging, Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold, heated and ventilated front seats, new generation eight-inch navigation system that features Blue Link with three-years of standard service and an Infinity premium audio system with seven speakers including a subwoofer and Clari-FiTM Music Restoration Technology.

The more powerful Elantra GT Sport has a 201 horsepower 1.6L Turbo GDI mated to a six-speed manual or seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with paddle shifters. The manual transmission GT Sport has a starting MSRP of $24,135 (including $885 destination charge). Advanced Driver Assists are available on Elantra GT Sport through Automatic Emergency Braking w/ Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, High Beam Assist and Smart Cruise Control that features stop/start capability. Driver Attention Alert analyzes driver inputs to determine attention level and provide both a visual and audible warning if it determines the driver’s attention level has become too low.

2018 Ford Mustang GT Coming This Fall


The new 2018 Ford Mustang GT, achieving 0-to-60-mph in less than four seconds, is powered by a redesigned 460 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine mated to an available 10-speed SelectShift® transmission. An all-new electronic control system features real-time adaptive shift-scheduling algorithms engineered to help ensure the right gear is engaged at the right time, including skip-shift and direct downshift capability. The new Mustang is due to reach showrooms this Fall.

Audi RS 5 Coupé Coming Next Year


The Audi RS 5 CoupĂ©, the gran turismo among the RS models from Audi Sport, is 2.9 inches longer than the previous model, and powered by a standard quattro drive 450 horsepower 2.9 TFSI bi-turbo engine mated to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission. The Audi RS 5 CoupĂ©, is already on sale in Europe and is expected in the U.S. in the first quarter of next year.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Rolls-Royce Phantom - All-New 8th Generation


The Rolls-Royce Phantom, in its eighth generation, has an all-new aluminium spaceframe structure that's 30 per cent more rigid than its predecessor, sits on a new double-wishbone front axle and 5-link rear axle and is powered by a completely new 563 horsepower 6.75-liter V12 engine with two turbo chargers mated to a ZF 8-Speed transmission. Peter Schwarzenbauer, Chairman of Rolls-Royce and Member of the Board of the BMW Group said, “The BMW Group remains fully committed to the future of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars".

2018 Chevrolet Traverse Starts At $30,875


The all-new 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, powered by the standard 310 horsepower 3.6L V6 engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and featuring L, LS, LT, and Premier, along with the all-new sporty RS and top-of-the line High Country trim levels, starts at $30,875 (including the destination charge).

2018 Jaguar XJR575 Coming Soon


The new 2018 Jaguar XJR575, the new performance flagship for the XJ range, is powered by a 575 horsepower 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine which delivers a 0-60mph time of 4.2 seconds to its top speed of 186mph. Further announcements for the rest of the core 2018 Jaguar XJ range and U.S. pricing will follow later this year.

2018 Buick Regal GS Starts at $39,990


The 2018 Buick Regal GS, has a new 310 horsepower 3.6L V-6 engine, 51 more horsepower than the model it replaces, mated to a standard nine-speed automatic transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive with active twin clutch and five-link rear suspension. The 2018 Buick Regal GS with all-new, heated/cooled and massaging performance seats starts at $39,990 (Including destination charges). Other Regal Sportback models will offer a standard 2.0T engine with a starting price of$25,915. TourX models with a starting price of $29,995 are expected to be available at dealers in February 2018.

2018 Nissan 370Z Coupe, Roadster, NISMO Pricing Starts At $30,875


The 2018 Nissan 370Z Coupe, powered by a 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control and choice of 6-speed manual transmission with an available SynchroRev Match® synchronized downshift rev matching system or a 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, starts at $30,875 (including $885 Destination and Handling charge). The similarly-powered Nissan 370Z Roadster starts at $42,705. The Nissan 370Z NISMO, powered by a 350-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with standard SynchroRev Match® or a 7-speed automatic with Downshift Rev Matching, Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode with paddle shifters, starts at $46,575. All are on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide.

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

July 2017 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors reported July U.S. sales of 226,107, down 15.4 percent from July 2016. Year-to-date sales are 1,640,553. a 3.8 percent decline.

Ford Motor Company reported July sales of 200,212, a drop of 7.5 percent from 2016. Year-to-date sales are 1,501,314, down 4.3 percent.
       
Toyota Motor North America reported July 2017 sales of 222,057, up 3.6 percent. Toyota division posted July sales of 193,155, up 3.6 percent. Year-to-date Toyota Motor North America sales are 1,377,222, down 2.5 percent.

FCA US (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported sales of 161,477, a 10 percent decrease compared with sales in July 2016. Year-to-date sales are 1,228,839, down 7 percent.

American Honda reported total July sales of 150,980 Honda and Acura vehicles, a decrease of 1.2 percent vs. July 2016. Total Honda Division sales decreased 1.7 percent on sales of 136,803. Acura Division sales were up 3.7 percent in July on sales of 14,177 vehicles. Year-to-date American Honda sales are 942,866, down 0.2 percent.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales of 128,295, a decrease of 3.2 percent over the prior year. Year-to-date sales are 947,983, up 1.9 percent over a year ago.

Hyundai Motor America reported July sales of Hyundai and Genesis branded vehicles of 54,063, a 28 percent decline compared with the company’s best July ever in 2016. Genesis Motor America sales of 1,644 for July pushing year-to-date sales to 11,563.

Kia Motors America announced July sales of 56,403 vehicles, down 5.9 percent. Year-to-date sales are 352,139, down 9.3 percent from a year ago.

Subaru of America reported 55,703 vehicle sales for July 2017, a 7 percent increase over July 2016, and the best July in the history of the company. Subaru reported year-to-date sales of 360,513 vehicles, a 8.7 percent gain over the same period in 2016.

Mazda North American Operations reported July U.S. sales of 27,089 vehicles, representing a decrease of 3 percent versus July of last year. Year-to-date sales through July are down 2.6 percent versus last year, with 168,713 vehicles sold.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 27,091, a 5.8 percent decrease over July 2016. Year-to-date sales are 188,329, an increase of 5.9 percent. Separately, Audi of America reported July sales of 18,824, an increase of 2.5 percent. Year-to-date sales of 121,795 is a 5.6 percent increase over last year.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported July sales of 25,909. On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes-Benz retails totaled 187,869, down 1.8 percent from the previous year. Adding 2,758 for Vans and 182 for smart, MBUSA achieved a grand total of 28,849 vehicles for the month.

Sales of BMW brand vehicles of 21,965 was a decrease of 14.8 percent. Year-to-date sales of 171,051 is down 4.6 percent compared to the first seven months of 2016.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported July 2017 sales of 8,025, up 1.7 percent over July 2016. Year-to-date sales are 62,601.

Volvo Car USA reported U.S. sales of 6,967 vehicles for the month of July.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported July U.S. sales for both brands were 9,081, a 4 percent decrease, with Jaguar sales of 3,166, a 7 percent decrease and Land Rover sales 5,915, down 2.6 percent July 2016. Year to date, Jaguar Land Rover is up 15 percent in the United States, ahead of 2016's record sales year pace.

Porsche Cars North America announced record July 2017 sales of 3,901 vehicles, a 0.6 percent increase over July 2016. Year-to-date, deliveries are up 2.9 percent compared to 2016 with 31,469 vehicle sales.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.