Thursday, November 18, 2021

2021 LA Auto Show Video: Subaru of America President/CEO Tom Doll


Tom Doll, President & CEO, Subaru of America discusses car sales impacted by the pandemic and semi-conductor shortage along with Solterra, Subaru's entry into the electric vehicle market, at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Click here to watch interview.

2021 LA Auto Show Video: Hyundai SEVEN Concept, Ioniq 5 Electric Vehicles


Miles Johnson, Senior Manager, Quality, Service and Technology Public Relations at Hyundai Motor America discusses the SEVEN Concept and Ioniq 5, which goes on sale in Dcember, along with the EV market from the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Click here to watch video.


2021 LA Auto Show Video: Nissan Ariya Joins Leaf In EV Space


Simon Kinderknecht, 
Planner - Electric Vehicle Marketing & Sales Strategy at Nissan Motor Corporation Murfreesboro, Tennessee discusses the Nissan Ariya and Leaf EVs along with the electric vehicle market and trends at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show. 

Fisker Ocean EV Coming At the End of 2022

The all-electric Fisker Ocean Sport with a 250-mile range is priced from $37,499 (before federal and state tax credits and incentives). The all-wheel-drive Fisker Ocean Ultra with a 340 mile range is priced at $49,999, the all-wheel-drive Fisker Ocean Extreme with a range of over 350 miles is priced at $68,999. The first 5,000 vehicles produced will be Fisker Ocean One, also priced at $68,999. Key features include California Mode, for a near-convertible SUV experience and Fisker’s SolarSky roof, available on the Fisker Ocean Extreme and Fisker Ocean One that can add up to 2,000 miles annually depending on the sunshine. The Fisker Ocean has a 17.1-inch central high-resolution Revolve screen that rotates from a default portrait Control Mode, effective when driving, to a landscape Hollywood Mode, available when the vehicle is parked. The Fisker Ocean will be available to purchase at the end of 2022, and customers can reserve a vehicle for a $250 deposit today. The Fisker Ocean is being manufactured by Magna-Steyr at a carbon-neutral factory in Graz, Austria. 

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is powered by a 493 horsepower 4.0 liter six-cylinder boxer engine mated to a standard 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Kia Concept EV9

The Kia Concept EV9, measuring 194 inches in length, 81 inches in width, 70 inches in height and has a wheelbase of 122 inches, is an all-electric SUV delivers driving range of up to 300 miles. It also features next-generation ultra-fast charging technology with a 350-kW charger that allows its battery electric powertrain to replenish energy from 10% to 80% in 20-30 minutes. The Concept EV9 has an all-encompassing DLO panoramic sky roof and an interactive 27-inch ultra-wide display.

2023 Subaru Solterra EV Coming Mid-2022

The 2023 Subaru Solterra, the brand's first-ever all-electric all-wheel drive SUV with an estimated range of more than 220 miles, has 8.3 inches of ground clearance and 215 horsepower from front and rear electric motors, for both off-road and city driving. Solterra is capable of charging up to 80-percent of total battery capacity in under an hour. Like other Subaru SUVs, Solterra is equipped with X-MODE® offering increased performance in low-friction and off-road conditions. The all-new model features Grip Control that incorporates Hill Ascent and Descent Assist. Solterra is equipped with an all-new multimedia system with an available 12.3-in touchscreen. The all-new Solterra will go on sale mid-2022.

Hyundai SEVEN Concept Joins IONIQ Brand

The Hyundai SEVEN, the new sport utility electric vehicle concept for the IONIQ brand, is engineered to achieve a target range of over 300 miles and with a 350-kW charger, SEVEN is capable of charging from 10 percent to 80 percent in about 20 minutes. SEVEN concept is built upon Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform, a dedicated BEV architecture that has a long wheelbase and flat platform floor enables a completely new class of vehicle that offers new experiences for customers.

2022 Nissan Rogue Starts At $27,875 This Winter

The 2022 Nissan Rogue adds an all-new 201 horsepower 1.5-liter variable compression turbo engine and all-new transmission for the 2022 model year. Rogue S FWD starts at $27,875 (including $1,175 destination and handling). The 2022 Rogue will be available this Winter.


2023 Nissan Ariya Starts At $45,950 Next Fall

2023 Nissan Ariya, shown as a concept in 2019, will initially be available in four models, each equipped with a liquid-cooled 87 kWh lithium-ion battery (usable battery capacity), CCS quick charge port, available ProPILOT Assist 2.03, wireless Apple CarPlay® and wired Android Auto, a lounge-like  interior and Nissan Safety Shield® 360. Additional models will be available at a later date. Initial pricing starts at $45,950 for the Ariya Venture+ front-wheel drive model with deliveries beginning next Fall, first for front-wheel drive models, followed by all-wheel drive models in late Fall at more than 890 select Nissan U.S. dealers.

Porsche Taycan GTS Sedan, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo Arrive In Q2 Of 2022

The Porsche Taycan GTS sedan and Taycan GTS Sport Turismo with a total power output of 590 horsepower with Launch Control, slots between the 462 horsepower Taycan 4S and the 670 horsepower Taycan Turbo. The Taycan GTS sedan and GTS Sport Turismo feature the same permanent magnet single-speed front motor, larger permanent magnet rear motor with a diameter of 245 mm and an active length of 210 mm, and two-speed rear transmission. The Taycan GTS comes standard with the 93.4 kWh Performance Battery Plus with high charging speeds of up to 270 kW so it can charge from 5 to 80 percent in 22.5 minutes. Both Taycan GTS models are available to order now and U.S. deliveries will start in Q2 of 2022. 

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

VinFast VF e35 and VF e36 Coming To U.S. By End Of 2022

VinFast, a Vietnamese-based electric vehicle company that started in 2017, introduces the Pininfarina-designed VF e35 (left) and VF e36 SUV (right) EV models at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show. According to its website, VinFast opened its fully digital automotive manufacturing complex in 2017 on Cat Hai Island, Vietnam and will have its U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles.

Michael Lohscheller, the Global CEO of VinFast, a former Volkswagen and Opel executive, says "VinFast believes in The Future of Mobility, a future where smart vehicles are highly personalized technologies for life that combine eco-friendliness with maximum safety and outstanding driver experiences.” Vinfast will begin taking orders in the U.S. market for its electric VF e35 sedan and e36 SUV in the first half of 2022 and expects to begin delivering them by the end of the year from the 60 U.S. showrooms they expect to open next year. VinFast will offer a 10-year warranty to encourage consumers to switch to EVs.

VinFast's parent company, Vingroup, formerly known as Technocom Corporation, was founded in 1993 in Ukraine. In the early 2000s, Vingroup started in Vietnam with two key brands: Vincom and Vinpearl. In January 2012, Vinpearl JSC merged with Vincom JSC to form Vingroup Joint Stock Company. 

2022 Land Rover Range Rover Coming In Spring 2022

2022 Land Rover Range Rover, the fifth generation Range Rover, available in SE and Autobiography models, will be powered by a V8 or mild hybrid inline-six with a 434 horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain (available at 2023 model year) with an all-electric range of 62 miles with a fully charged battery (based on manufacturer's range estimate) and a pure-electric Range Rover will join the line-up in 2024, coming in a choice of four, five or seven-seat interiors available across standard and long wheelbase body designs. Priced from $105,350 (including $1,350 destination and delivery) in the U.S., the new Range Rover is available to order now, with deliveries beginning Spring 2022. 

Mazda CX-50 Coming in Early 2022

The first-ever Mazda CX-50, a completely new model, at launch will be powered by either the Skyactiv-G 2.5 naturally aspirated engine or Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. In the coming years, the CX-50 will also be offered with electrified powertrains, including a traditional hybrid model. CX-50 is the first Mazda vehicle to be built at the new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) plant in Huntsville, Alabama, with production beginning in January 2022.

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Rivian Automotive, Inc Goes Public At $78 A Share

Rivian Automotive, Inc. (ticker RIVN) became a publicly traded company today at a price of $78 a share and is trading well above its IPO price. The gross proceeds from the offering to Rivian, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by Rivian, are expected to be approximately $11.9 billion, excluding any exercise of the underwriters’ 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 22,950,000 shares of Class A common stock at the initial public offering price.

The Rivian R1T 5-seater all-electric truck, measures 217.1 inches in length on a 135.8 inch wheelbase, has an EPA estimated range of 314 miles with a starting price of $67,500 and up to 11,000 lb. towing capacity. In January 2022, an R1T with a 400+ mile range will be available, and there will be an R1T with a 250+ mile range.

The Rivian R1S 7-seater all-electric truck, measuring 200.8 inches on a 121.1 inch wheelbase, delivers an EPA estimated 316 miles with a starting price of $70,000, up to 7,700 lb. towing capacity and a 0-60 mph time as quick as 3 seconds. The R1S can drive through 3+ feet of water, rock crawl at a 100% grade and traverse just about any terrain with 14.9 inches of ground clearance. Driver+ has 11 cameras, 5 radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors and 360º field of vision. After launch, news of a 250+ mile and longer range R1S, with seven seats.

Click to watch Rivian interview from the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show.

2022 Acura MDX Type S High Performance SUV Coming In December

The 2022 Acura MDX Type S high-performance 3-row SUV is powered by an all-new 355 horsepower 24-valve, DOHC 3.0-liter V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with standard torque vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ and an Adaptive Damper System paired with air suspension. A 12.3-inch Acura Precision Cockpit™ all-digital instrument display is standard along with the True Touchpad Interface™ paired with a 12.3-inch ultra-wide HD center display. The 2022 MDX Type S will begin arriving at Acura dealers nationwide this December with pricing starting in the high-$60,000 range.

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

All-New 2022 Toyota Tundra Starts At $37,645 Next Month

The all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra is powered by either the standard 389 horsepower i-FORCE 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 engine or an available 437 horsepower  i-FORCE MAX Powertrain with both engines mated to a 10-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission with intelligence featuring a sequential shift mode, uphill/downhill shift logic and TOW/HAUL driving modes. Tundra has up to a 12,000-pound maximum towing capacity. The 2022 Tundra 4x2 SR Double Cab 6.5-ft. bed i-FORCE has a starting price of $37,645 (including $1,695 destination charge). The 2022 Toyota Tundra will be offered in two four-door options: Double Cab and CrewMax. Double Cab models will be offered with the choice of a 6.5-foot bed or an 8.1-foot bed. CrewMax models will be offered with either a 5.5-foot bed or a new 6.5-foot bed. The 2022 Toyota Tundra will go on sale at dealerships starting next month. 

Friday, October 29, 2021

Mercedes-AMG SL - All New

The new Mercedes-AMG SL, based on a completely new 2+2-seater vehicle architecture developed by Mercedes-AMG, is powered by an AMG 577 horsepower 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine in the top model SL 63, and a 469 horsepower version in the SL 55 mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission equipped with AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive technology and active rear-axle steering as standard. The SL now has an electric soft top instead of the previous metal vario-roof. Compared to the previous model series, the torsional rigidity of the body shell structure increased by 18 percent while the transverse rigidity is 50 percent higher than the AMG GT Roadster. At a later date, a Performance hybrid drive will be offered.

2022 Toyota GR86 Starts At $28,725 In December

The all-new 2022 Toyota GR86, available in GR86 and GR86 Premium trims, is powered by a 228 horsepower 2.4-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine combined with either a 6-Speed M/T or 6-Speed A/T transmission. Seven airbags are standard on all models, now including a driver’s knee airbag for 2022. Arriving at Toyota dealerships in December starting at $28,725 (including $1,025 delivery, processing, and handling fee).


Toyota bZ4X All-Electric Coming Soon

The Toyota bZ4X all-electric BEV production model. The bZ4X is part of Toyota’s “beyond Zero” brand umbrella for battery electric vehicles. U.S. product details will be shared in mid-November.

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

2023 Kia Sportage Coming All New In 2022 1st Quarter

The 2023 Kia Sportage arrives in its 5th generation 7.1 inches longer while taller and wider by a half inch than previous generation on a 3.4-inch longer wheelbase and powered by a new 187 horsepower 2.5-liter I-4 engine mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2023 Sportage is available in LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige and the all-new X-Line and Sportage X-Pro trim levels. There are eight standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including newly available features such as 360° Surround View Monitor with 3D View and live feed Blind-Spot View Monitor within instrument cluster.  An available dual panoramic curved display connects a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Like the Sorento, the Sportage will also be available in a hybrid version. Details on other powertrains will be revealed at a later date, while gasoline variants are anticipated to go on sale in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2022.

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Coming Next Summer

The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, 3.6 inches wider than the Stingray on which it is based, is powered by an all-new 670 horsepower 5.5L LT6 naturally-aspirated V-8 engine mated to a 8-speed DCT transmission. The Z06 rigid structure so stiff that there is no variance in the suspension calibrations between the coupe and hardtop convertible model. The 2023 Corvette Z06 production begins in Summer 2022. 

Monday, October 25, 2021

2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid Pickup Coming In January 2022

The all-new 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid pickup, powered by an all-new 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle hybrid engine and electronic continuously variable transmission, delivers an EPA-estimated rating of 37 mpg combined and an EPA-estimated range of more than 500 miles on a single tank of gas. Maverick Hybrid is expected to start shipping in December with the first customer deliveries expected in January 2022 so required state and federal emissions certification can be completed.

2022 Honda Civic Si - All New

The 2022 Honda Civic Si is powered by an updated high-output 200-horsepower VTEC® 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission with standard rev-matching system. Civic Si has an 8 percent increase in torsional rigidity and a 13 percent increase in bending rigidity compared to the outgoing Si. Like the 2022 Civic Sedan, the new Civic Si also benefits from a 0.5-inch wider rear track for additional stability, and a 1.4-inch longer wheelbase. Standard on Civic Si is the new Honda Sensing® suite of active safety and driver-assistive technologies that uses a new single-camera system providing a longer, wider field of view than the previous radar-and-camera based system. 

2022 Acura RDX Starts At $40,345 On Nov. 2nd

The 2022 Acura RDX, powered by a 272 horsepower Turbo Aluminum-alloy 4-Cylinder 16-Valve DOHC VTEC® engine mated to a 10-Speed Automatic Transmission, starts at $40,345 and will begin arriving at Acura dealers Nov. 2.


2023 Land Rover Discovery Metropolitan Edition Starts At $76,650

The 2023 Land Rover Discovery Metropolitan Edition seven-seat family SUV, powered by a 355 horsepower 3.0-liter Ingenium six-cylinder powertrain with an 8,200lb towing capacity, featuring 48V mild hybrid technology, is available to order now from $76,650 (including $1,350 destination and delivery). Features include bright Atlas detailing for the grille, Discovery lettering, Hakuba Silver lower bumper inserts, 22-inch Diamond Turned alloy wheels with Gloss Grey detailing and Black Land Rover brake calipers. Standard features inside include a head-up display, heated steering wheel, powered and heated third row seating, a front cooler compartment and four-zone climate control.

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Thursday, October 14, 2021

2022 Lexus LX 600 - All-New Coming In 1st Quarter 2022

The all-new 2022 Lexus LX 600, its fourth generation, powered by a 409 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine mated to a Direct Shift-10AT, is lighter by 441 pounds compared to its predecessor and its body rigidity is increased for its body-on-frame build. The all-new LX features Multi-Terrain Select, which allows the driver to select from Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow and Rock modes to support off-road driving conditions. Crawl Control allows LX to move forward or in reverse at one of five driver-selected low-speed settings: LO, MIDL, MID, MIDH and HIGH. Crawl Control intuitively orchestrates the engagement and disengagement of engine output and hydraulic braking pressure to help reduce tire slippage and optimize chassis behavior. The Lexus Interface has a 12.3-inch upper touchscreen with added 7-inch lower touchscreen. It is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealers in the first quarter of 2022.

Maserati Ghibli and Levante F Tributo Special Edition Arrive This Month

Maserati celebrates its racing history with the F Tributo Special Edition, F for Fangio, the driver who made his mark and Tributo, meaning in homage or tribute. Available on Ghibli and Levante (pictured) in two exclusive colors, Rosso Tributo and Azzurro Tributo, and arrives at dealerships in the United States and Canada this month.  

2022 Toyota Highlander Starts At $36,420, Hybrid Bronze Edition At $45,095

The fourth-generation 2022 Toyota Highlander, available in either front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive, is powered by a 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission equipped to tow 5,000-pounds and includes Trailer Sway Control which uses the Vehicle Stability Control to help control unwanted trailer movement. The 2022 Highlander L FWD starts at $36,420 (including $1,215 destination, processing, handling fee). The Hybrid Bronze Edition (pictured), is powered by a 243 total hybrid system horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motors delivering up to an EPA-estimated 36 combined MPG and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds and will be offered at $45,095 for the FWD variant and $46,695 for the AWD variant. The Highlander Hybrid offers selectable NORMAL, ECO and SPORT driving modes plus the EV mode, which allows electric-only driving at low speeds for short distances. Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.5+) is standard across all grades.

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

2022 Kia Forte Gets Added Features

The 2022 Kia Forte compact sedan comes with new front and rear design elements available in FE, LXS, GT-Line and GT trim levels, and is powered by a 147 horsepower 2.0-liter MPI I-4 engine mated to a Intelligent Continuously Variable Transmission on the FE, LXS, GT-Line trims and a 201 horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter GDI I-4 engine with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission or 6-speed manual transmission on the GT model. New package offerings include LXS Technology, GT-Line Technology, and GT Technology, each with a unique combination of tech and ADAS systems including Lane Following Assist, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, and Safe Exit Warning. A larger 4.2-inch color TFT LCD cluster is standard on all trims with a newly available 10.25-inch widescreen navigation display.


Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Coming 2nd Half 2022

The all-new Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid crossover SUV, powered by a twin-motor Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system with a motor at the front and another one at the rear of the vehicle, is scheduled for launch in the U.S. in the second half of calendar-year 2022. 


Genesis GV60 Electric Vehicle

The Genesis GV60, a high-performance electric vehicle, is powered by a 77.4kWh battery giving the standard 228 horsepower RWD model a maximum driving range of 280 miles per charge. The standard 318 horsepower AWD model is equipped with a 217 horsepower motor for its rear wheels and a 101 horsepower motor for its front wheels for a maximum driving range of 248 miles per charge. Innovations include Face Connect, Fingerprint Authentication System, Over-the-Air Software Update, and Digital Key 2 enable drivers to interact with their vehicle. Safety and convenience features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Driver Attention Warning, rear side monitor, High Beam Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Lane Following Assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, Rear View Monitor), Surround View Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Distance Warnings for the front, side and rear, Rear Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

Thursday, September 30, 2021

All-New 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Arrives In 4th Quarter

The fifth-generation 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, in Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Trailhawk, Summit and Summit Reserve trims, adds its first electrified Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe with a new 375 horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain. The 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 with two electric motors and eight-speed automatic transmission is available on Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit and Summit Reserve looks to deliver an estimated 25 miles of all-electric range, 57 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) and a combined driving range of more than 440 miles. The new off-road Trailhawk, powered by the 293 horsepower all-aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, standard on all models, features standard all-terrain tires, integrated off-road camera, Quadra-Lift air suspension with up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance, improved approach, departure and breakover angles and the Quadra-Drive II active transfer case with rear eLSD and Selec-Terrain. The 357 horsepower 5.7-liter V-8 engine is available on Overland, Trailhawk, Summit and Summit Reserve. The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee will arrive in Jeep dealerships in North America in the fourth quarter of 2021. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is scheduled to arrive in North America early in 2022 and in global markets later that year.

2022 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban Coming Soon

The 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe (pictured above) and Suburban (pictured below) is powered by a 355 horsepower 5.3L V-8 as the standard engine on LS, LT, Z71, RST and Premier models. The optional Duramax 277 horsepower 3.0L turbo-diesel is available on all models except Z71. All engines are mated to a standard 10-speed automatic transmission with push-button electronic shift. The 420-horsepower 6.2L V-8 engine is now available on the RST, Z71 and Premier. The 6.2L engine is standard on the High Country. 

New for 2022, additional technology, including more mechanical options including available electronic limited slip differential, infotainment improvements and additional standard active safety features Front and Rear Park Assist and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning now standard on all trims. A new, larger 12.3-inch-diagonal configurable digital instrument cluster is now standard on 2022 Tahoe and Suburban for LT trims and above. The 2022 Tahoe and Suburban will begin production in October.

2022 Jeep Wrangler Willys Starts At $40,930 In December

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler Willys joins Wrangler Rubicon and Wrangler Rubicon 392 as models available with 35-inch tires in Xtreme Recon Package and is priced at $40,930 (including $1,495 destination charge). Customers can order the Xtreme Recon Package on the Jeep Wrangler Willys 293 horsepower 3.6L eTorque starting in October. Production will start in December.


2022 Honda Passport Arrives This Winter

The 2022 Honda Passport, powered by a 280-horsepower V6 engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and i-VTM4™ all-wheel drive with true torque vectoring available on all grades (standard on TrailSport and Elite), is refreshed with a new, more rugged exterior design and offers a Passport TrailSport trim. TrailSport is equipped with new 18-inch diameter wheels, while EX-L and Elite receive newly designed 20-inch wheels. The 2022 Honda Passport is expected to begin arriving in dealers this Winter.

2022 Toyota Sienna Woodland Special Edition

The new 2022 Toyota Sienna Woodland Special Edition, offered in LE, XLE, sporty XSE, limited and Platinum trims, is available in the Cement or Midnight Black Metallic exterior colors and features a standard Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive System and increased ground clearance. The Woodland Edition, and any 2022 Sienna equipped with the Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive System, achieves an EPA-estimated 35 combined MPG. (Sienna models with front-wheel drive get EPA-estimated 36 combined MPG.) The new-generation Sienna combines a standard hybrid powertrain with AWD, which is available as an option on all model grades. The 2022 Sienna Woodland Edition comes exclusively in the 7-seat configuration with Super-Long-Slide second-row captain’s chairs. It comes with a tow hitch and 3500-lb. towing capability.

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

2022 Ford Expedition Timberline series Coming First Quarter 2022

The new 2022 Ford Expedition Timberline series, powered by a 440 horsepower twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost® engine delivers a maximum towing capability of 9,300 pounds. Available features include Road Edge Detection, Intersection Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, Evasive Steering Assist and Active Air Dam. The 2022 Ford Expedition will go on sale in the first quarter of 2022.

2022 Toyota Tundra Coming Later This Year

The all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra is powered by the standard 389 horsepower i-FORCE 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine or the available 437 horsepower i-FORCE MAX powertrain both mated to a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Two different four-door layouts are available, as well as various bed lengths including a 5.5-foot bed, 6.5-foot bed and an 8.1-foot bed. The new Tundra has a maximum towing capacity of up to 12,000 pounds and a max payload capacity of 1,940 pounds. The all-new Tundra will go on sale later this year, and pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.


2022 Acura RDX Arrives In Early November

The new 2022 Acura RDX, powered by a turbocharged 272-horsepower 2.0-liter VTEC® 4-cylinder paired with a 10-speed automatic with standard Sequential SportShift paddle shifters, gets a retuned suspension and Integrated Dynamics System and ther RDX A-Spec® is now available with Advance Package. Standard tech now includes wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, and Amazon Alexa built-in. A hand-crafted limited-production 2022 RDX PMC Edition will be available at launch. The 2022 RDX will begin arriving at Acura dealers nationwide in early November.


2022 Audi Q4 e-tron Starts At $44,995

The all-new 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron comes in the Q4 50 e-tron and its Sportback variation offering quattro four wheel drive, powered by 295 horsepower dual asynchronous motors with an EPA-estimated range of 241 miles while the Q4 40 e-tron arrives equipped with a 201 horsepower rear-wheel drive single asynchronous electric motor. There's a standard 10.25-inch Audi virtual cockpit and a 10.1-inch center stack MMI touch display. The Q4 e-tron starts at $44,995 (including $1,095 destination charge) with an anticipated potential federal tax credit up to $7,500.

2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Starts At $23,915

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback, powered by a 158-horsepower2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission, starts at $23,915 (including $1,015 destination charge) while the Civic Hatchback EX-L with a 180-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a CVT starts at $27,615. All 2022 Civic Hatchbacks include Honda's new next-gen driver and front passenger airbags and an expanded Honda Sensing® suite of driver-assistive and safety technology that adds Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and the Lane Keeping Assist System. A rear seat reminder and rear seatbelt reminder are also new and standard across the lineup.


2022 Kia Sorento Turbo Plug-in Hybrid Starts At $46,165

The new 2022 Kia Sorento Turbo Plug-in Hybrid 3-row SUV has a 66.9 kW electric motor and a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that combine to produce 261 horsepower delivering an EPA-estimated 32-mile all-electric driving range with an EPA-estimated total range of 460 miles for an EPA-estimated 79 MPGe combined rating. The 2022 Sorento Turbo Plug-in Hybrid will start at $46,165 (including $1,175 destination and handling charge) for the SX and $49,065 for the fully loaded SX-Prestige (SX-P). The Sorento PHEV may be eligible for a $6,587 Federal Tax Credit, as well as various state incentives, including single rider carpool lane access in California. 


2022 Mazda CX-5 Receives Enhancements

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 will have refreshed exterior styling on all models, Mazda intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) drive mode selection and i-Activ all-wheel drive standard across the entire CX lineup in the U.S. market. The turbo models will receive additional styling enhancements that help further distinguish it from non-turbo models. 

Thursday, September 16, 2021

Video: Throwback Thursday Look At American Sunroof Corporation



Automotive innovator Heinz Prechter left us over 20 years ago. Prechter founded the American Sunroof Company (now ASC Incorporated) in Los Angeles. Here's his story told more than 30 years ago.

Click to watch.