LA Auto Show: 2018 Lexus RX 350L, RX 450L

The 2018 Lexus RX 350L, powered by a 290 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an 8-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission, and RX 450hL with the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine paired with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators producing 308 combined system horsepower, will now have the option of a third row with the seven-seat version having a 40/20/40 split bench-type second row seat and full-length side curtain airbags covering all three rows. The available six-seat configuration features second-row captain’s chairs that make third-row ingress/egress easier with “walk-in” convenience. RX L models include a flat load floor behind the folded third-row, two third-row cupholders, an easily stowable tonneau and covered slide rails. The RX 350L will have a starting MSRP of $48,665 (FWD) and $50,065 (AWD) (including a delivery, processing and handling fee of $995) when they go on sale before yearend.

LA Auto Show: 2019 Infiniti QX50

The all-new 2019 Infiniti QX50 luxury, front-engine, front-wheel-drive-based mid-size crossover powered by a 268 horsepower 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine that adjusts its compression ratio to optimize power and efficiency with comined city/highway fuel economy of 27 mpg and 26 mpg for the all-wheel drive. The engine is paired with INFINITI’s new XTRONIC continuously-variable transmission, a ‘shift-by-wire’ system which eliminates the need for traditional gears. QX50’s ProPILOT Assist system include Direct Adaptive Steering and Intelligent Cruise Control along with Distance Control Assist, Back-up Collision Intervention, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Intervention, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, and Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection. The all-new 2019 Infiniti QX50 will go on sale in the first quarter of 2018.

LA Auto Show: Porsche 718 Cayman GTS and Boxster GTS

The new Porsche 718 Cayman GTS starts at $80,850 and Porsche 718 Boxster GTS starts at $82,950 (including the $1,050 delivery, processing, and handling fee) and are powered by a 365 horsepower 2.5 liter flat-four cylinder turbo engine mated to a 6 speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds to a top track speed of 180 mph. The new 718 Cayman GTS and 718 Boxster GTS will start arriving in February.

L.A. Auto Show: 2019 BMW i8 Roadster World Debut

The 2019 BMW i8 Roadster two-seater is powered by a 369 horsepower hybrid-specific all-wheel drive, with a combustion engine driving the rear wheels and the electric motor driving the front wheels producing 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 4.4 seconds reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The 2019 BMW i8 Roadster can cover up to 18 miles in purely electric driving and has a full electric convertible top that opens in under 16 seconds. The 2019 BMW i8 Roadster is expected to cost more than $150,000 when sales commence in the Spring.

Video: 2018 Lexus LS 500 Flagship Sedan Coming In February

2018 Lexus LS 500 flagship sedan has many features that are decribed by Lexus product specialist Tawan Perry. Click here to view video.

Tesla Roadster Will Go 620 Miles Per Charge

The new Tesla Roadster has Elon Musk boasting that the 4-seater all-wheel drive, all-electric supercar is the quickest car in the world, with record-setting acceleration of 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds, a range of 620 miles (LA to San Francisco round trip at legal highway speed without recharging, claims Musk) and a top speed more than 250 mph. A lightweight, removable Glass Roof stores in the trunk for an open-air, convertible driving experience. The base price is $200,000 with a reservation fee of$50,000. The Founders Series, with 1,000 reservations available, has a price of $250,000.

2018 Honda Accord 2.0T Starts At $31,200

The all-new 2018 Honda Accord 2.0T is added to the Accord line-up with a new 252 horsepower 2.0-liter VTEC Turbo® direct-injected DOHC inline-4 engine in Sport, EX-L, EX-L Navi and Touring trims. The Accord 2.0T goes on sale on Nov. 20 with a starting MSRP of $31,200 (including $890 destination and handling) for the Accord 2.0T Sport, available with either a segment-first 10-speed automatic transmission or a short-throw 6-speed manual.

2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid Starts At $34,290

The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid is powered by a 181-horsepower electric motor and a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine producing a total system output of 212 horsepower. The 17-kilowatt hour battery pack has a recharge time of 2.5 hours at 240 volts. The Clarity Plug-in starts at $34,290 (including $890 destination charge) and the Touring trim for $37,490 on December 1st at dealerships nationwide. Clarity Plug-in Hybrid owners are eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500 when they purchase, and for additional state rebates, where available, when they purchase or lease the model.

2018 Kia Stinger Starts At $32,800 December 1st

The all-new 2018 Kia Stinger fastback sport sedan starts at $32,800 for the base Stinger and $38,000 for the Stinger Premium, both powered by a 255 horsepower 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Stinger GT starting at $39,250, GT1 starting at $44,150 and GT2 starting at $50,100 get a 365 horsepower 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. Both engines are matched to a second-generation eight-speed rear-drive automatic transmission. All-wheel drive also is available for $2,200 across all trims. The all-new 2018 Kia Stinger is expected to arrive in Kia dealers December 1st.

2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Coming This Spring

The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is powered by a 755 horsepower LT5 supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine mated to either a seven-speed manual or, for the first time in the ZR1, an eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission that takes the ZR1 to a top speed of over 210 mph. The ZR1 will offer a standard rear Low Wing and an available two-way-adjustable High Wing which includes a front splitter with carbon-fiber end caps that provides an estimated 950 pounds of downforce. All models featuring a Chevrolet-first, downforce-enhancing front underwing. The 2019 Corvette ZR1 goes on sale next Spring.

MINI Electric Concept Will Make North American Debut In L.A.

The MINI Electric Concept encapsulates MINI’s near-term vision of an all-electric car designed for urban mobility and will lead to an all-electric series-production model in 2019. The MINI Electric Concept, showcased at the Frankfurt Auto Show will makes its North American debut later this month in Los Angeles. 

BMW i Vision Dynamics Will Make North American Premiere at L.A. Show

The BMW i Vision Dynamics is an all-electric, emission-free four-door Gran Coupe that accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds to a top speed of 120 mph with a range of 373 miles, will make its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month. In addition, the BMW i3s, BMW X7 SAV Concept and the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo will make their North American premieres. The BMW 8 Series Concept and the all-new BMW M5 will also be featured.

BMW M3 CS Will Make World Debut At Los Angeles Auto Show

The first-ever BMW M3 CS, around 110 pounds lighter than a standard M3, is powered by a 453 horsepower M TwinPower Turbo technology 6-cylinder inline engine that accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds to a a top speed of 174 mph. The carbon fiber-reinforced plastic roof alone is more than 13 pounds lighter than a conventional steel version. The BMW M3 CS is available to order in the U.S. starting in May 2018. Pricing will be announced closer to market launch. The first-ever BMW M3 CS will make its world debut in Los Angeles later this month.

2018 Jeep® Wrangler To Debut At L.A. Auto Show

The all-new 2018 Jeep® Wrangler with a fold-down windshield for off-roading and dozens of different door, top and windshield combinations will be debut with more information in late November at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

First-ever 2018 BMW X2 Coming This Spring

The first-ever 2018 BMW X2 xDrive28i will be available at launch with the latest generation 228 horsepower 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed Steptronic transmission and all-wheel-drive system providing 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 6.3 seconds. The 2018 BMW X2 is 3.2 inches shorter and 2.8 inches lower than the BMW X1 on the same wheelbase. The first-ever 2018 BMW X2 will be available in Spring 2018 with pricing to be announced closer to market launch.

MITSUBISHI e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT At Tokyo Show

The MITSUBISHI e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT all-electric high-performance SUV is powered by three torqueful electric motors fed by a high-capacity battery system  located under the floor mid-ship of the vehicle for a low center of gravity. The triple motor 4WD system employs a single motor to drive the front wheels, complemented by a new Dual Motor Active Yaw Control system that couples two rear motors through an electronically controlled torque-vectoring AYC unit integrated into the Super All-Wheel Control vehicle control system.

Mazda KAI and VISION COUPE Debut In Tokyo

The Mazda KAI CONCEPT compact hatchback featuring the next-generation SKYACTIV-X gasoline engine previews a new generation of Mazda cars.

The Mazda VISION COUPE represents Mazda’s design vision for next-generation models.

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.

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 Coupé 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

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).

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.

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).