Wednesday, March 30, 2022

2023 Ford F-150 Rattler On Sale This Fall

The 2023 Ford F-150 Rattler, built off the XL series, with FX4 content featuring skid plates, electronic rear-locking differential, hill descent control, and specially tuned off-road shock absorbers. The 2023 F-150 Rattler goes on sale this Fall. 

2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Estrema and Stelvio Estrema Arrive In Q3

2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Estrema and Stelvio Estrema (above), based on the top-of-the line Veloce trim, is a limited-edition series powered by a 280 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission to standard Q4 all-wheel drive on Stelvio Estrema (optional Q4 on Giulia Estrema). The Alfa Romeo Giulia Estrema RWD starts at 56,685 (including $1,595 destination charge) and the Alfa Romeo Giulia Estrema AWD at $58,685. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Estrema AWD starts at $60,545. Ordering for the 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Estrema and Stelvio Estrema is now open with availability in the third quarter of 2022.

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Maserati Grecale Modena Coming This Fall

Maserati Grecale Modena Limited Edition SUV, only available via online reservation for delivery starting Fall 2022, is powered by a 325 horsepower four-cylinder mild hybrid engine. The Grecale SUV will begin arriving in the US, Canada, Fall of 2022.  Online reservations require a $500 refundable deposit to your preferred Maserati dealership. At launch, the Maserati Grecale Modena will come in the 296 horsepower GT powered by a four-cylinder mild hybrid engine, the 325 horsepower Modena, and the high performance 523 horsepower 3.0L V6 Trofeo. Completing the line up is the the 100% electric Grecale Folgore with 400V technology.

2022 Jeep® Renegade RED Starts At $31,185

Special-edition RED 2022 Jeep® Renegade, powered by a  177 horsepower 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with Jeep Active Drive full-time 4x4 automatic system, starts at $31,185 (including $1,595 destination) for the Latitude trim-based special-edition. All Renegade models are equipped with more than 70 standard and available safety and security features, including Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, Blind-spot Monitoring and Active Lane Management System.

 



Aston Martin V12 Vantage Available To Order Soon

The new Aston Martin V12 Vantage, powered by a 690 horsepower 5.2 liter Twin Turbo engine mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, will be limited to 333 units globally with deliveries scheduled to begin Q2 2022.

2022 Lexus LC 500 Inspiration Series Coming Soon

The 2022 Lexus LC 500 Inspiration Series, limited to 150 units, starts at $104,500 for the Coupe and $115,580 for the Convertible (above), and will arrive in dealerships beginning in late Spring 2022.

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

The new Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV will be the third model on Mercedes-Benz’s dedicated electric vehicle architecture with a 12.3-inch OLED display provides the front passenger with their own display and control area.


2023 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Coming Later This Year

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT 63, powered by the 575 horsepower AMG 4.0-liter V8 Bi-Turbo engine mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission, and the 630 horsepower Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S will receive technical and visual upgrades with the standard-fit AMG RIDE CONTROL+ based on Air Body Control suspension featuring adaptive, electronically controlled adjustable damping. The suspension control unit analyzes data including information from the acceleration and wheel path sensors to adjust the damping force for each wheel in a few milliseconds to suit the situation. The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe V8 models will arrive at US dealerships later this year.

Thursday, March 10, 2022

2023 Acura Integra Coming This Spring For Around $30,000

The 2023 Acura Integra 5-door liftback, powered by a 200 horsepower VTEC®-enhanced DOHC 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, will start at around $30,000, with reservations underway for delivery this Spring. The first 500 customers to reserve their next gen Integra will have the opportunity to claim a limited edition NFT. The 2023 Integra comes standard with a 10.2-inch Acura Precision Cockpit™ digital gauge cluster with an available 16-speaker ELS STUDIO 3D® premium audio system and an available A-Spec® sport-appearance package. 

All-new Volkswagen ID. Buzz Coming To The U.S. In 2024

The all-new Volkswagen ID. Buzz lineup will come to European market with 82 kWh battery powering 201 horsepower electric motor in the third quarter of this year, with more battery versions with various power output levels expected to follow in 2023. The standard length ID. Buzz will launch with five seats while the ID. Buzz Cargo van will have three seats in the front. A long-wheelbase passenger model will debut for the North American market in 2023 and go on sale in 2024. The standard wheelbase measures 117.6 inches with a total length of 185.5 inches and 78.1 inches wide, excluding wing mirrors. With DC-fast charging, the battery charge level rises from 5 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes. Details for the U.S. version will be available closer to launch.

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Jeep® Battery-electric Vehicle Revealed

The first-ever 100% battery-electric Jeep® SUV will be launched early next year. More information on the Jeep battery-electric vehicle (BEV) will be released in the coming months.

2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Starts At $41,955 Before Credits

The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro electric SUV has an EPA-estimated 280 miles of range, which is an increase of 20 miles from the 2021 model while the ID.4 Pro S rear-wheel-drive received an EPA-estimated range of 268 miles, the AWD Pro was rated at an EPA-estimated 251 miles of range and the AWD Pro S was rated at an EPA-estimated 245 miles of range. All ID.4 models offer an 82kWh (gross) battery along with a permanent-magnet synchronous motor in the rear, offering 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4 AWD adds a 107 horsepower asynchronous electric motor on the front axle for a maximum output of 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Pricing for the 2022 ID.4 starts at $41,955 (including $1,195 destination charge) for the rear-wheel-drive Pro model, before a potential Federal tax credit of up to $7,500. The ID.4 AWD Pro starts at $45,635. Pro S models are priced from $46,455 for rear-wheel drive and $50,135 for all-wheel drive. 

Monday, February 21, 2022

2022 Subaru WRX Starts At $30,100 This Spring

The all-new fifth-generation 2022 Subaru WRX, powered by a new 271 horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER® engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, starts at $30,100 (including $995 destination & delivery charge) and goes up to $42,890 for the GT model. The 2022 WRX arrives in retailers this Spring and is available in four trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited, and new GT. Standard on WRX is an all-new center information display with dual 7.0-inch high-resolution touchscreens. 


Mercedes-AMG EQE High Performance EV

The new Mercedes-AMG EQE is powered by two electric motors producing an output of 617 horsepower increasing to 677 horsepower with the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package and boost function, and is equipped with a 328-volt high-performance drive battery manufactured using lithium-ion technology. The new battery generation has a capacity of 90.6 kWh. The Mercedes-AMG EQE is equipped with rear axle steering as standard with the steering angle of up to 3.6 degrees. Early range expectations are 275 to 322 miles with U.S.-specific details to be announced closer to launch.


Tuesday, February 8, 2022

2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale

The all-new 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale, gets power from either 272 total horsepower PHEV that combines a 15.5-kWh lithium ion battery with a 90 kW electric motor and 180-horsepower 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with an electric range of more than 30 miles or a 256 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.


2023 Kia Sportage PHEV Coming In Third Quarter

The 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV, with a targeted all-electric range of 32 miles, is powered by a 177 horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, supplemented by a 66.9-kW electric motor and 13.8 kWh lithium polymer battery and a standard 6-speed automatic transmission with selectable drive modes and Downhill Brake Control. The Sportage PHEV is planned to go on sale in the third quarter of this year and pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date.


2023 Range Rover P440e Extended-Range Plug-in Hybrid Starts At $106,250

The 2023 Range Rover P440e Extended-Range Plug-in Hybrid has a manufacturer estimated EV range of 48 miles and starts at $106,250 (including $1,350 destination and delivery) while the Range Rover SV, available in both Standard and Long Wheelbase, is powered by a 523 horsepower V8 Twin Turbo engine and is also available with a mild-hybrid six-cylinder powertrain, starts at $188,200. The first pure-electric Range Rover Land Rover will join the line-up in 2024.


2022 Jeep® Grand Cherokee 4xe Starts At $59,495 This Spring

The all-new 2022 Jeep® Grand Cherokee 4xe, powered by two electric motors, a 400-volt battery pack, 2.0-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver 375 horsepower and  25 miles of all-electric range with a rating of 56 MPGe. The price starts at $59,495 (including $1,795 destination and government incentives) when it arrives in dealerships this Spring.


Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Ferrari Flashback: Sergio Pininfarina, Legendary Car Designer


Sergio Pininfarina,
the late legendary car designer discusses Ferrari and his background at the 1997 Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive Concours D'Elegance.

Click to view the interview.

Ferrari Flashback: Piero Ferrari Interview


Piero Ferrari
, son the late founder of Ferrari Automobiles Enzo Ferrari, discusses the brand, the cars, his family and more at the 1997 Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive Concours D'Elegance.

Click to view the interview.



Wednesday, January 26, 2022

2023 BMW M8 Competition Coming This Spring

The 2023 BMW M8 Competition, available in Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe, is powered by a 617 horsepower 4.4-liter V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology mated to an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and the M xDrive all-wheel drive system. US production begins in March. 

2023 Toyota Sequoia Coming This Summer

The all-new third-generation 2023 Toyota Sequoia three-row SUV, powered by a 437 horsepower twin-turbo V6 hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain first unveiled on Tundra. Sequoia, with a 9,000-pound maximum towing capacity, a nearly 22% increase over the prior generation, will be available in SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and the new-to-Sequoia Capstone grade with 2WD or the available part-time 4WD system on SR5, Limited, Platinum and Capstone grades. TRD Pro will be offered only in 4WD. All Sequoia grades come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection that features multiple enhancements over the previous generation, including not only detecting the vehicle ahead but also a pedestrian in low light, bicyclist in daytime, an oncoming vehicle and a pedestrian at intersections when making a turn. Available in Summer of 2022.


2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan Starts At $44,600 This Spring

The next-generation 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan, powered by a new 255 horsepower turbocharged systematically electrified 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an integrated starter generator and 48-volt mild hybrid technology, starts at $44,600 (including $1,050 destination and delivery charge). The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan will arrive at U.S. dealerships in the spring of 2022.

2022 Kia EV6 Starts At $33,400 After Credit Soon

The 2022 Kia EV6 rear-wheel drive vehicle, the brand’s first dedicated all-electric model, starts at $33,400 after the $7,500 federal vehicle tax credit. The EV6 offers a 167 horsepower 58.0 kWh battery with a 168kW rear motor and all-electric range of 232-miles with a starting price of $40,900, and a net price of $33,400, after the $7,500 federal electric vehicle tax credit. The EV6 with the 225 horsepower 77.4 kWh battery with a 168kW rear motor and all-electric range of 310-miles starts at $47,000 but will cost $39,500 after the federal tax credit. In addition, the EV6 may also qualify for various state incentives, including single rider carpool lane access in California. These prices exclude destination charge. GT-Line variants will be available in rear-wheel drive and Dual Motor e-AWD configurations. The EV6 is expected to arrive in dealerships soon.

Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Coming In First Quarter

Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4, with total output of 814 horsepower, is powered by a Lamborghini 6.5-liter V12 engine, delivering 780 horsepower combined with a 48-volt electric motor which provides an additional 34 horsepower for instant response and increased performance. The electric motor is powered by a supercapacitor that provides three times more power than a lithium-ion battery of equal weight. All 112 limited edition Countach LPI 800-4 cars are already sold with deliveries starting from the first quarter of 2022 to customers around the world.

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Chrysler Airflow Concept All-Wheel Drive Electric Vehicle

The all-electric Chrysler Airflow Concept, with all-wheel-drive capability and powered by two 150 kW electric drive motors, one in the front and one in the rear, is a preview to the launch of the brand's first battery-electric vehicle by 2025 and plans for full battery-electric portfolio by 2028. Chrysler Airflow Concept has AI and connected vehicle technology that delivers 350- to 400-mile range and fast-charging functionality and is equipped with STLA AutoDrive, which delivers Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities and will be upgradable via over-the-air (OTA) updates.

2023 BMW iX M60 Arrives In June For $106,095

The 2023 BMW iX M60, a high-performance electric all-wheel-drive vehicle with a total system output of up to 610 brake horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque (when Launch Control is activated), has a range of 280 miles (preliminary EPA estimate) and will cost $106,095 (including $995 destination and handling) when it launches in the U.S. in June. Together with the BMW i4 M50, it signifies the entry of BMW M into the segment of electrified performance cars. 

Thursday, January 6, 2022

2021 U.S. Vehicle Sales

Toyota Motor North America (Toyota, Lexus) reported 2021 U.S. sales of 2,332,262 vehicles, an increase of 10.4 percent.

General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac) delivered 2,218,228 vehicles in 2021, a decrease of 12.9 percent from 2020.

Ford Motor Company (Ford, Lincoln) 2021 sales were 1,819,026 vehicles down 6.2 percent from 2020.

FCA US LLC (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT and Alfa Romeo) had sales of 1,777,394 vehicles for 2021, a decrease of 2 percent, as its dealer network continues its flexibility in offsetting market conditions caused by the chip shortage and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

American Honda (Honda, Acura) reported full year sales of 1,466,630, an 8.9 percent increase over 2020.

Nissan Group (Nissan, Infiniti) announced total calendar year 2021 U.S. sales of 977,639 units, an increase of 8.7 percent compared to the prior year. 

Hyundai Motor America reported full year sales of 738,081, a 19 percent increase compared with 2020 and the third best year in company history. 

Kia America announced annual total sales were 701,416, up 19.7 percent from 2020 and passing the 700,000 mark for the first time in company history.

Subaru of America reported full year sales of 583,810 vehicles, a 4.6 percent decrease compared with calendar year 2020 due to the impact the semiconductor shortage has had on the automobile industry. 

Volkswagen of America reported year-end 2021 sales of 375,030, an increase of 15 percent from 2020. Audi of America reported 2021 sales of 196,038 up 5 percent from 2020.

Mercedes-Benz USA recorded sales of 276,102 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles and 53,472 Vans for a 329,574 total, an increase of 1.1 percent versus 2020.

BMW Brand reported full year 2021 sales of 336,644, an  increase of 20.8 percent compared to 2020. MINI Brand posted full year 2021 sales of 29,930, an increase of 6.4 percent from 2020. 

Mazda North American Operations reported full year sales totaled 332,756 vehicles, an increase of 19.2 percent compared to 2020. 

Volvo Car USA reported 122,173 cars sold in 2021, up 10.9 percent over 2020.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported full-year 2021 total sales were 102,037, an increase of 16.8 percent over 2020, and the fourth time the brand has topped 100,000 sales since 2007.

Porsche Cars North America announced retail deliveries in 2021, a best year ever 70,025 new vehicles, up 22 percent from the year before and 14 percent above the previous record set in 2019. 

Bentley Motors announced total sales of 14,659 in 2021, an increase of 31 per cent over the previous record year (11,206) in 2020. 

Sales will be updated as companies report.

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

All-New Lexus RZ 450e

 

All-New Lexus RZ 450e

Monday, December 13, 2021

2022 Honda Passport Starts At $39,095

The 2022 Honda Passport, all-new from the A-pillars forward, is powered by a standard 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and starts at $39,095 (including $1,225 destination charge) for the EX-L two-wheel drive trim level equipped with a power tailgate with remote, blind spot information and front and rear parking sensors. The new Passport TrailSport (pictured) which features standard torque-vectoring i-VTM4® all-wheel drive starts at $43,695. Passport with AWD has 8.1-inches of ground clearance and 5,000-pound towing capacity.

2022 Mazda CX-5 Starts At $27,125 This Winter

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 will come standard with i-Activ all-wheel drive in the U.S. when they arrive in dealerships nationwide this winter and will have updates to the seats, body, and suspension. The CX-5 2.5 S is powered by a 187 horsepower Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter, four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with cylinder deactivation paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and sport mode. All CX-5 models will continue to be equipped with G-Vectoring Control Plus. The 2022 CX-5 Turbo models deliver 256 horsepower (on 93 octane fuel) from the Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine. The 2022 CX-5 goes on sale with a starting MSRP of $27,125 (including $1,225 for destination and handling).

BMW Concept XM Plug-In Hybrid

The BMW Concept XM, available only as a plug-in hybrid and exclusively as an M model when it begins production at the end of 2022 at Plant Spartanburg, South Carolina, is expected to have an all-electric range of up to 30 miles (preliminary estimate, not an official EPA value) with a newly developed M Hybrid drive system combining a V8 engine and a high-performance electric motor to develop a maximum output of 750 horsepower and peak torque of 737 lb-ft. The elongated body sits on 23-inch light-alloy wheels.


Genesis G90 Unveiled

Genesis has officially revealed exterior images of G90, the latest version of the brand’s flagship sedan.

2022 Nissan Altima Starts At $25,525

The 2022 Nissan Altima is powered by either a 188 horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine or the optional 236 horsepower 2.0-liter VC-Turbo inline 4-cylinder equipped with a standard Xtronic transmission (paddle shifters are available with the Altima SR grade) and with front-wheel or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive in five grade levels. The Altima S FWD grade starts at $25,525 (including $995 destination and handling charge). For 2022, a special Midnight Edition Package (pictured) with unique "black-out" exterior trim is available on the Altima SR grade (2.5L models only). 

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.