Friday, April 7, 2023

2024 Kia EV9 SUV Coming In The 4th Quarter

The all-electric 2024 Kia EV9 three-row SUV, slightly longer than the Telluride SUV with seating for up to seven passengers, a long wheelbase and flat floor, is powered by fourth-generation battery technology available with the standard 215 horsepower 160-kW motor combined with a 76.1-kWh battery that drives the rear wheels. Also, an optional 99.8-kWh battery will be available in a single-motor configuration targeting 300 miles of all-electric range or a 379 horsepower dual-motor torque vectoring all-wheel-drive configuration. The EV9’s standard 800V electrical architecture enables ultrafast recharging on high-speed DC chargers, designed to go from a 10 to 80 percent state of charge in under 25 minutes. The EV9 is expected to debut in the U.S. in Q4 2023, with assembly beginning in 2024. 

Thursday, April 6, 2023

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Starts At $33,290

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness, powered by a 182 horsepower 2.5-liter direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine with a drivetrain engineered for better off-road performance with a revised differential gear ratio and retuned Lineartronic CVT, elevated 9.3-inch ground clearance and exclusive body cladding. Maximum towing capacity more than doubles to 3,500 lb. The Crosstrek Wilderness is equipped with Subaru’s driver-selectable dual-function X-MODE and comes standard with the SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system. The system offers Snow / Dirt and Deep Snow / Mud modes. The starting price is $33,290 (including $1,295 destination and delivery).

2024 Jeep® Wrangler Arrives Later This Year

The new 2024 Jeep® Wrangler adds a full-float Dana rear axle, an available 100:1 crawl ratio, a new factory Warn winch and increased 5,000-pound tow capability. The powertrain options include a 375 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged PHEV 4xe, a 270 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine, a 285 horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 and a 470 horsepower 6.4-liter V-8. The 2.0- and 3.6-liter gas engines offer both a six-speed manual transmission and an eight-speed automatic transmission. A new interior features available power front seats, standard 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen radio and standard side curtain airbags in the first and second rows. The 2024 Jeep Wrangler will be available in Sport, Willys, Sahara, High Altitude, Rubicon and Rubicon 392 models. Ordering is open now and vehicles will start to arrive in U.S. Jeep dealerships later in 2023. The 2024 Jeep Wrangler will also be available in markets around the world.

2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 On Sale Now For $61,050

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Sedan, offered in Premium and Pinnacle trim levels is now on sale starting at $61,050 (including $1,150 destination and delivery charge), and powered by a 402 horsepower AMG 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9G transmission and comes with standard rear-axle steering, AMG Performance 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque distribution and AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with Adaptive Damping System. 

2025 Ram 1500 REV

The 2025 Ram 1500 REV, available in Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Limited and all-new Tungsten trims, will offer a standard 168-kilowatt-hour battery pack with a targeted range of up to 350 miles and an optional 229-kWh large battery pack with a targeted range of up to 500 miles. Both can add up to 110 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes with 800-volt DC fast charging at up to 350 kW, offering customers quick and convenient charging solutions. The 2025 Ram 1500 REV can tow up to 14,000 lbs. and carry a  payload of up to 2,700 lbs. The all-new Ram 1500 REV XR will follow the introduction of the all-electric Ram 1500 REV.

2024 Hyundai Kona Coming This Fall

The all-new 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric, Limited, and N Line models, are 5.7 inches longer overall on a wheelbase that's increased by 2.3 inches, and it's a full inch wider than its predecessor. The Kona Electric is equipped with the 64.8-kWh battery delivering an electric range of 260 miles based on preliminary Hyundai internal estimates.  Kona offers a choice of two gasoline powertrains, a 147 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson engine paired with a Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission while the N Line and Limited trims offer a 190 horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder direct-injected, turbocharged engine coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The all-new 2024 Kona will arrive at U.S. dealers this summer, and the Kona Electric will be available late Fall.

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

2024 Mercedes‑Benz GLS Coming Later This Year

The new 2024 Mercedes‑Benz GLS models are available in a 375 horsepower GLS 450 4MATIC, a 510 horsepower GLS 580 4MATIC, a 550 horsepower Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 and a 603 horsepower AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9G transmission comes in the Mercedes-AMG GLS63. The new 2024 GLS model range will arrive in U.S. dealerships later in 2023.

Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept

 

The Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept.

2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Coming Later This Year

 

The new 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron, Audi’s flagship electric SUV, now gets an EPA estimated range of 300 miles for the Q8 Sportback e-tron with ultra package, an increase of around 30 percent compared to the 2023 e-tron Sportback and features a higher-capacity battery engineered into the existing packaging space. The Q8 e-tron uses the MMI touch response operating system with an upper 10.1-inch and lower 8.6-inch high-resolution displays using haptic touch technology or natural voice control. The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron is anticipated to arrive in U.S. showrooms by Summer of 2023 and will be followed by the introduction of the SQ8 e-tron later this year.

2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 For $96,666

The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, limited to not more than 3,300 total units, which produces 1,025 horsepower is now open for orders at a price of $96,666 (excluding destination and fees).

All-New Hyundai Sonata Launches In The Second Half of 2023

The new Hyundai Sonata, the eighth-generation of the midsize sedan, is powered by a choice of a gasoline-powered 2.5L engine, 2.5L turbo engine and 2.0L hybrid electric with a 2.5L turbo developed especially for the N Line. It's equipped with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5, Rear Cross-traffic Collision-avoidance Assist, Blind-spot Collision Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Safe Exit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist , Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Navigation based Smart Cruise Control and Highway Driving Assist. Sonata has a panoramic curved display that combines both 12.3-inch driver information clusters and 12.3-inch AVN infotainment system. The vehicle expects to launch in global markets in the second half of this year.

Thursday, March 23, 2023

2023 Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell EV Starts At $49,500

The 2023 Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), in its second-generation, is larger and built on the Rear-Wheel Drive GA-L platform that allows for an additional hydrogen fuel tank over the first generation car. The FCEV driver fills the tank with non-toxic compressed hydrogen gas which generates its own electricity onboard from hydrogen, with water as the only emission delivering an EPA estimated range of 402 miles on the Mirai XLE grade. All new Toyota Mirai will include up to $15,000 of complimentary hydrogen with a purchase or lease. Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ system comes standard on all 2023 Mirai including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist. The 2023 XLE grade has a starting MSRP of $49,500. The Limited grade has a starting MSRP of $66,000.

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 and GLB 35 Coming Late This Year

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 and GLB 35 compact SUV is powered by a 302 horsepower AMG-enhanced 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT® DCT 8G transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLA 35 and GLB 35 are equipped standard with a 48-volt mild hybrid system featuring a second generation belt-driven starter-generator that provides a temporary power boost of 13 horsepower under certain driving conditions. New for 2024 is newly styled front fascia with the AMG emblem now on the hood and light signatures at the front and rear with revised LED headlights and taillights. The GLA 35 and GLB 35 are available with the optional next generation Parking package, which supports parallel parking and offers a 360-degree visualization in camera-assisted parking using 3D images from the available Surround View system. Both models arrive in U.S. dealerships later in 2023. 

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

2024 Lexus NX 250 Starts At $40,205

The 2024 Lexus NX, largely a carryover model from 2023. The NX 250 is powered by a 203 horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with start/stop functionality mated to an eight-speed transmission and starts at $40,205 (including $1,150 delivery, process & handling). The NX 350, starting at $43,965, has a 275 horsepower 2.4L turbo engine also with an eight-speed transmission and for the 2024 model year F SPORT Handling is available on the NX 350. The Lexus NX 350h, starting at $43,805, pairs the 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators for 240 combined system horsepower and a combined EPA-estimated 39 MPG. The NX 450h+ (pictured above), starting at $58,655, has an EPA-estimated 37-mile range on electric power only, made possible by the high-capacity lithium-ion battery and when combined with the hybrid transaxle, a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine delivers an EPA-estimated combined 84 MPGe. For the 2024 model year, F SPORT Handling is available on the NX 350. 

Kia EV9 3-Row SUV

The Kia EV9, three-row electric flagship SUV, will make its digital global premiere in late March. 

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Coming Later This Year

The new 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, at 187.5 inches, is 1.2 inches longer and 0.2 inches higher than its predecessor, powered by the same 255 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electrified mild hybrid powertrain as its GLC 300 sibling. The interior is equipped with the sporty AMG Line as standard, and a 12.3-inch high-resolution driver display and 11.9-inch central display. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe will arrive in U.S. dealerships later in 2023.

2023 Lexus RZ 450e EV On Sale Now

The all-new, all-electric 2023 Lexus RZ 450e, the brand’s first globally available, purpose-built battery-electric vehicle, with 308 total system horsepower rating from a 71.4 kWh battery delivering an EPA-estimated range rating of up to 220 miles when equipped with 18” wheels and an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of 115/98/107 (city/highway/combined). When utilizing 20” wheels, the RZ has an EPA-estimated MPGe of 102/87/95 with an EPA-estimated range of up to 196 miles. RZ 450e utilizes DIRECT4, an all-wheel drive system first introduced with the 2023 Lexus RX, which features a rear eAxle coupled with the engine and front motor. The 2023 RZ 450e is built in Toyota City, Japan, and is on sale now in limited quantities.

Saturday, March 11, 2023

Subaru of America President/CEO Tom Doll To Assume New Role

Tom Doll, President and Chief Executive Officer of Subaru of America will step down from the day-to-day management of the company and will assume the role of Corporate Advisor based at the Camden, New Jersey headquarters effective April 1st . It comes after more than 40 years with Subaru of America, including roles as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 2009, and subsequently President from 2013 and CEO from 2018. He led Subaru of America to 12 consecutive years of sales records from 2008 to 2019 when the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic shut down production. Doll also served as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Business and Strategic Planning, Director of Accounting, Director of Treasury Operations and Manager of Treasury Operations. Here are a few of many interviews with my friend and one of the auto industry's great leaders:

2021 Tom Doll interview.  

2013: Tom Doll interview. 

2010 Tom Doll interview. 

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV Starts At $48,250 This Spring

The new generation 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV,  Mercedes-Benz USA best-selling model, is powered by a new, more powerful 255 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a second-generation integrated starter generator and 48-volt mild hybrid system that provides up to an additional 23 horsepower. The interior features a new floating 12.3-inch digital instrument panel along with an 11.9-inch central display that rises from the center console. The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV will start from $48,250 (including $1,150 destination and delivery charge). The new generation 2023 GLC SUV will arrive in U.S. dealerships in the Spring.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV Starts At $79,050 This Spring

The all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, the second fully-electric SUV from Mercedes-Benz based on the premium-class electric architecture, comes in EQE 350+ SUV, EQE 350 4MATIC SUV and EQE 500 4MATIC starting at $79,050 (including $1,150 destination and delivery charge) and will arrive at U.S. dealerships this Spring. The EQE SUV improves range using a heat pump and an intelligent powertrain management system that takes heat from the electric drive (inverter and electric motor) and the high-voltage battery to heat the interior rather than drawing on battery power for the heating system, thus increasing the range. The all-new intelligent powertrain management system monitors at 160 times per second, to determine if the front electric motor is necessary. If not, a clutch disconnects or re-engages the front motor in 100 milliseconds to reduce drag and improves range. The top-of-the line EQE 500 4MATIC starts at $96,350.

2024 Subaru Outback SUV and Legacy Sedan Coming This Fall

The 2024 Subaru Outback SUV starting at $30,190 (including $1,295 destination & delivery) and Legacy sedan starting at $25,985 are powered by a 182 horsepower 2.5-liter BOXER engine paired with a Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) with 8-speed manual shift mode and steering wheel paddle shift control switches. The Outback Base is equipped with the STARLINK dual 7.0-inch center information display with the upper 7-inch touchscreen operating audio controls while the lower 7-inch touchscreen controls for climate, EyeSight, X-MODE, and other vehicle systems. Priced at $40,655, the Outback Onyx Edition XT upgrades to the 260 horsepower 2.4-liter turbo BOXER engine as well as 180-Degree Front View Monitor, 8-way power front passenger seat, heated rear seats (outboard seat position), and a full-size spare tire. This year, the Outback Wilderness receives updated front styling. Both models will begin arriving at Subaru retailers this Fall.

Friday, February 24, 2023

2024 Subaru Impreza Starts At $24,085

The all-new 2024 Subaru Impreza, the sixth-generation Impreza which debuted at 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show, is powered by a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine in the Base and Sport trims and a 182 horsepower 2.5-liter BOXER engine in the RS model, and are mated to a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with the Sport and RS trims featuring an 8-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to control the transmission via eight pre-set ratios. The Impreza comes as a 5-door hatchback and is available in Base, Sport and new RS trim levels. The 2024 Impreza has a starting price of $24,085 (including $1,090 destination & delivery charge).

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

2024 BMW X5 M and X6 M Competition Models Start At $123,295

The new 2024 BMW X5 M Sports Activity Vehicle and 2024 X6 M Sports Activity Coupe will now be offered exclusively as Competition models with a new 617 horsepower 4.4-liter V8 engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology integrated into the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission delivering an additional up to 12 horsepower. The new BMW X5 M Competition, which starts at $123,295 (including $995 destination and handling) and BMW X6 M Competition at $128,195, come as standard with BMW Live Cockpit Professional, an M-specific version of the latest-generation BMW iDrive interface. Powered by BMW Operating System 8, there's a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9 inch control display screen. At launch, customers will be able to choose from around 50 BMW Individual paint shades for both models. Production will begin in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in April.

Hyundai IONIQ 6 Starts At $42,715 This Spring

Hyundai IONIQ 6 SE Standard Range with its 53-kWh battery pack and 240 mile range has an MSRP of $42,715 (including $1,115 delivery) and will be available in limited quantities this Summer. The IONIQ 6 SE Long Range with an EPA-estimated 361 miles of range from its larger 77.4 kWh battery has a MSRP of $46,615. Dual motor AWD models have a starting MSRP of $50,115 and have up to 316 miles of range. Eligibility for state tax credits is dependent on individual tax circumstances. The 2023 IONIQ 6 goes on sale this Spring at Hyundai dealerships.

VIDEO: IONIQ 6 introduced at 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show.

2023 Nissan Sentra Starts At $21,045 Now

The 2023 Nissan Sentra, in S, SV and SR grades and powered by a 149 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an Xtronic CVT, is on sale now with a starting MSRP of $21,045 (including $1,095 destination and handling charge). S and SV grades are rated at 29 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined and the Sentra SR is rated 28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined. Nissan Safety Shield 360 technologies include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking. 

Monday, February 20, 2023

2024 Cadillac XT4 Goes On Sale This Summer

The 2024 Cadillac XT4 is powered by a 235 horsepower 2.0L turbocharged engine with Active Fuel Management deactivating some of the engine’s cylinders in certain driving conditions and nine-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift control. The XT4 has an available twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system available on all trims that helps traction and vehicle control, whether the road is dry, wet, snowy, or icy. Standard safety and driver assistance technologies include Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. The XT4 has a new 33-inch-diagonal LED color touchscreen display command center for its infotainment system and suite of advanced safety features. The 2024 Cadillac XT4 goes on sale this Summer.

2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 Starts At $66,895

The 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70, the third electric vehicle from Genesis powered by 160 kW front + 160 kW rear electric motors and a 77.4 kWh battery, starts at $66,895 (including $1,045 destination charge) has a 12.3-inch digital cluster and navigation system, vehicle-to-load charging and more. The 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 Prestige AWD, at an MSRP of $73,695, adds Nappa leather seating surfaces, a leatherette wrapped upper instrument panel, microfiber suede headliner, head-up display, a 3D instrument cluster, premium audio, active noise control, heated 2nd row seats and steering wheel and manual read door shades.

2024 Buick Encore GX Starts At $28,090

The 2024 Buick Encore GX small SUV comes standard with a 137 horsepower 1.2L turbocharged engine or available 155 horsepower 1.3L turbocharged engine with AWD available across all trims. The Virtual Cockpit System features 19 diagonal inches of high-definition screens under one sheet of glass, comprising an 11-inch diagonal infotainment system and a configurable 8-inch diagonal driver cluster screen, both angled toward the driver. The 2024 Encore GX includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, IntelliBeam auto high-beams as standard. The Encore GX Preferred trim starts at $28,090 (including $1,195 destination freight charge) with Sport Touring starting at $29,290 and Avenir starting at $34,390. Customers will be able to build and order a new Encore GX on Buick.com starting in May.

Mercedes-Benz S 580e 4MATIC Starts At $123,700

The Mercedes-Benz S 580e 4MATIC with the fourth generation hybrid drive system provided by a 367 horsepower 3.0L I-6 six-cylinder engine paired with a 21.5kWh battery and 148 horsepower permanently excited synchronous electric motor with internal rotor creates a combined total output of 510 horsepower, delivering an all-electric range of about 62 miles according to WLTP, double the previous model. A 9.6 kW charger is on board as standard for at home and public charging, while an optional 60 kW DC charger is available for fast charging. With the 60 kW DC charger, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class plug-in hybrid pricing will start from $123,700 (including $1,150 destination and delivery charge) and is now available to order for delivery in the first half of 2023.

Friday, February 10, 2023

2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport

The new 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, powered by a 269 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive standard and 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is available across the model lineup. A 12-inch floating infotainment display is the focal point in the redesigned cockpit, and every trim level has a 10.25-inch fully configurable Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro.

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Starts At $26,290 This Spring

The all-new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, available in Base, Premium, Sport and Limited trim levels, is powered by a 152 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine and the Sport and Limited upgrade to a responsive 182 horsepower 2.5-liter BOXER engine. A center information display with SUBARU STARLINK dual 7.0-inch high-resolution touchscreens comes standard on the entry level Crosstrek. The 2024 Crosstrek comes standard with the latest version of the award-winning EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Keep Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is available on Premium and higher. Models equipped with both Eyesight and Blind-Spot Detection now include Automatic Emergency Steering which works with these safety features to assist with steering control to help avoid a collision at speeds less than 50 mph. The third-generation Crosstrek has a starting price of $26,290 (including $1,295 destination and delivery) with the Base and Premium will begin arriving in Subaru retailers this Spring and the Sport and Limited will follow in the Summer.   

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Coming Late This Year

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, offered in the XLE grade, Limited and Platinum trims, is powered by a 2.4L turbo gas engine, a 2.5L hybrid with a manufacturer-estimated 34 combined MPG, or the 362 horsepower Hybrid MAX which offers 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity. Controls are centered around the standard 12.3-inch multimedia display. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert is standard on all grades. Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is available on Limited and Platinum grades. A Panoramic View Monitor is available and provides a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle. The price and on-sale date of the all-new 2024 Grand Highlander will be announced later this Summer.

2024 BMW X5 Starts At $66,195 In April

The 2024 BMW X5 comes in 3 models, the X5 sDrive40i starting at $66,195 (including $995 destination and handling) and the X5 xDrive40i at $68,495, are powered by a 375 horsepower 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. The X5 xDrive50e at $73,495 is powered by a 483 horsepower powertrain with a preliminary estimated electric-only range of up to 40 miles. The new X5 M60i xDrive, powered by a 523 horsepower 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 engine paired with 48V mild hybrid technology starts at $73,495. The X6, in its third generation, has two trims, the X6 xDrive40i at $74,895 and the X6 M60i xDrive starting at $94,595. The latest-generation 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is fitted to all variants of the new BMW X5 and BMW X6. The fully digital BMW Curved Display is made up of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches, both located behind a single glass surface. Production will begin in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in April.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 e 4MATIC PHEV Coming This Year

The new 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid is equipped with a permanently excited 134 horsepower synchronous motor, for a combined system output of up to 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of system torque. During city driving the GLE prioritizes electric driving. Thanks to an Off-Road drive program, the plug-in hybrid can also drive electrically on off-road terrain. The GLE 400 e 4MATIC is available with a standard 11 kW AC on-board charger as well as an optional 60 kW DC charger. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE model range will arrive at U.S. dealerships in 2023.

2024 Mazda CX-90 Starts At $40,970 This Spring

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 three-row crossover, built on Mazda's all-new large platform, is available with an all-new 340 horsepower e-Skyactiv G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo engine equipped with M-Hybrid Boost (a mild-hybrid system), or a plug-in hybrid with 323 horsepower combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor and 17.8 kWh high-capacity battery designed to operate purely on the electric motor in a variety of driving scenarios. Also available is a 280 horsepower e-Skyactiv G 3.3L Turbo engine. Both inline six engines are equipped with M-Hybrid Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The engines are paired with an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission, specifically designed for the electrified longitudinal powertrains and large platform vehicles. The 2024 CX-90, with three powertrains and 11 package choices, will have a starting MSRP of $40,970 (including $1,375 for destination and handling) and will arrive in dealerships in this Spring.

Thursday, January 26, 2023

2024 BMW M3 CS Starts At $119,695 This Spring

The limited-edition 2024 BMW M3 CS, powered by a 543 horsepower 3.0-liter inline-6 with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission and the M xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, features the latest-generation BMW iDrive based on BMW Operating System 8, which includes the BMW Curved Display. This is formed by a 12.3-inch information display and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches, which are housed together behind a curved glass surface. The new BMW M3 CS starts at $119,695 (including $995 destination and handling) and will be built in limited numbers at BMW Group Plant Munich starting in March 2023.

2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV Starts At $44,590

The all-new 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale is powered by a 285 horsepower plug-in hybrid all-wheel-drive system combining a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery and 90-kW electric motor with a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine that delivers an electric range of more than 30 miles. The 2024 Tonale has a starting MSRP of $44,590 (including $1,595 destination charge).

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

2024 Mazda CX-90 Coming This Year

The first-ever 2024 Mazda CX-90 three-row crossover SUV will be offered with an all-new 340 horsepower 3.3-liter inline six e-Skyactiv Turbo engine featuring a mild-hybrid system. Both the 2024 Mazda CX-90 and CX-90 PHEV are coming this year. 

2023 Lexus RC 300 Starts At $45,470 Soon

The 2023 Lexus RC 300, powered by a 241 horsepower 2.0-liter, twin-scroll turbocharged and intercooled in-line four-cylinder engine with direct injection paired to a rear-wheel drive system and an eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission, starts at $45,470 (including $1,150 delivery, processing and handling fee). For 2023, the RC and RC F interior have been updated with available an 10.3-inch (standard 8-inch) touchscreen multimedia display and interior touches to the instrument panels, glove box and side registers. The RC 300 AWD pairs a six-speed automatic transmission with a 260 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 starting at $48,160. It features Variable Valve Timing with intelligence designed to provide added torque at lower speeds and greater horsepower at higher speeds. 

The RC 350 ($48,400) and RC 350 AWD ($50,565) are powered by a 311-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that features an eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift transmission for the rear-wheel drive model and a six-speed automatic transmission for the AWD. For 2023, an exclusive F SPORT Special Appearance Package ($54,745 -pictured above) is available with a bi-tone exterior color combination including an available Incognito body color paired with an Obsidian roof/hood and 19” dark finish Enkei alloy wheels. The high-performance RC F ($67,845) is powered by a 472 horsepower. 5.0-liter V8. The RC F Track Edition is $100,720. 2023 RC and RC F models are expected to arrive in dealerships in early 2023.

2023 Jeep® Cherokee

The 2023 Jeep® Cherokee, powered by either a 270 horsepower 2.0-liter I-4 turbocharged engine (Trailhawk 4x4), or a 180 horsepower 2.4-liter I-4 engine (Altitude LUX 4x4) paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission, offers the Altitude LUX 4x4 and Trailhawk 4x4 in 4x4 models. The new Cherokee Altitude LUX 4x4 trim has 17-inch Gloss Black painted aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and Gloss Black grille surrounds, accents and badging. Also includes black Nappa leather seats, Piano Black interior accents, 7-inch multi-view, full-color thin-film transistor and heated steering wheel and seats. An 18-inch Gloss Black wheel is optional. Maximum towing is 4,000 pounds.

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

2022 U.S. Vehicle Sales

Total 2022 of 13,899,871 were down 7.8 percent from 2021:

General Motors (Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC) delivered 2,274,088 vehicles in the U.S. in 2022, a 2.5 percent increase over 2021.

Toyota Motor North America (Toyota, Lexus) reported year-end 2022 U.S. sales of 2,108,458 vehicles, a decrease of 9.6 percent compared to 2021.

Ford Motor Company (Ford, Lincoln) sold 1,864,464 units a 2.2 percent decline from a year ago.

Stellantis FCA US LLC (Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Fiat, Jeep, Alfa Romeo) reported sales of 1,547,076 vehicles for 2022, a decrease of 13 percent from 2021.

Tesla vehicle deliveries of 1,313,851 was up 40 percent from 2021.

American Honda (Honda, Acura) reported 2022 sales of 983,507, a drop of 32.9 percent from a year ago.

Nissan Group (Nissan, Infiniti) 2022 U.S. sales were 729,350, a decrease of 25.4 percent compared to the prior year.

Hyundai Motor America sold 724,265 units in 2022, a 2 percent decrease compared with 2021. 

Kia America sold 654,554 vehicles in 2022, an increase of 1.7-percent compared to previous retail record in 2021.

Subaru ended calendar year 2022 with 556,581 vehicles sales, a 4.7 percent decrease compared with calendar year 2021.

Volkswagen reported 2022 sales of 301,069, down 20.5 percent. Audi sales of 186,875 was down 5 percent from 2021. Porsche Cars North America 2022 U.S. retail deliveries totaled 70,065 cars for their best year ever, surpassing the previous record set in 2021 by 45 vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz USA recorded 2022 sales of 286,764 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, up 4 percent versus 2021, and 64,185 Vans, an increase of 20 percent versus 2021. This brings MBUSA's total year-to-date sales to 350,949, an increase of 6.5 percent versus 2021.

BMW brand 2022 sales of 332,388 was a 1.3 percent decrease while MINI brand sales of 29,504 was a 1.4 percent decrease compared to vehicles sold in 2021. 

Mazda North American Operations 2022 sales totaled 294,908 vehicles, a decrease of 11.4 percent compared to 2021. 

Volvo Car USA reported sales of 102,038 cars for the full year 2022, down 16.5 percent compared with last year. 

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported 2022 sales of 85,810 vehicles, down 15.9 percent vs 2021  102,037.

Bentley Motors reported total sales of 15,174 in 2022, an increase of 4 percent over 2021, the previous record year, and the first time Bentley has reached over 15,000 cars.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

2023 Mazda MX-30 EV Starts At $35,385 This Spring

 The 2023 Mazda MX-30 EV powered by Mazda’s e-Skyactiv technology and a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, is for daily commuting with an EPA estimated range of 100 miles on a full charge. The MX-30 EV trim starts at $35,385 (including $1,275 for destination and handling) and the MX-30 EV w/ Premium Plus package at $38,395 and will be arriving in California dealerships this Spring. The 8.8-inch large center display features the latest Mazda Connect™ system, Apple CarPlay™, and Android Auto™. All MX-30 models offer many i-Activsense safety features including Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Smart Brake Support, Rear Direction Base Safety (Smart Brake Support-Reverse & Rear Cross-Traffic Braking), Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, and High Beam Control.

Friday, January 6, 2023

Ram Revolution BEV Concept

The Ram Revolution BEV (Battery-electric Vehicle) Concept, powered by two electric drive modules for all-wheel-drive capability, previews 2024 production models that will feature four-wheel steering with up to 15 degrees of articulation for greater vehicle maneuverability, third-row jump seats, and a full touchscreen display comprised of two screens offers up to 28 inches of screen space. The Ram Revolution BEV Concept offers up to 100 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes with 800-volt DC fast charging at up to 350 kW. The Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered virtual assistant has a 3D Ram avatar that acts as the vehicle's face, responding to various voice commands from users.

BMW i Vision Dee - The Future

BMW i Vision Dee (Digital Emotional Experience ) is a futuristic mid-size sedan that showcases a multi-colored, fully variable and individually configurable exterior by applying E Ink to the body thus creating and displaying up to 32 colors. The BMW Head-Up-Display extends across the full width of the windshield which will be available from 2025 onwards in the NEUE KLASSE models. The BMW Mixed Reality Slider, in combination with the advanced Head-up Display, using shy-tech sensors on the instrument panel, lets drivers decide how much digital content they want to see on the Head-Up Display. 

2023 Honda Accord Starts At $28,390 This Month

The all-new 11th generation 2023 Honda Accord, available in six trim levels (two 1.5L turbo-powered and four hybrid), will start at $28,390 (including $1,095 destination charge) for the Accord LX powered by a 192 horsepower 1.5-liter turbo engine with VTEC® and a retuned continuously variable automatic transmission when it arrives at Honda dealerships this month. The hybrid-electric powered 2023 Accord Sport starts at $32,990.

2023 Ram 1500 TRX Havoc Edition Starts At $106,445 This Quarter

The 2023 Ram 1500 TRX Havoc Edition with new Baja Yellow exterior color, powered by a  702 horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI® V-8 engine, starts at $106,445 (including $1,895 destination). The TRX Havoc Edition features 18-inch all black bead lock capable wheels, dual pane panoramic sunroof, spray-in bedliner, cargo tie-downs, bed step and an LED cab-mounted brake light and inside Prowler Yellow accent stitching, an embroidered “TRX” seat back logo, unique carbon fiber accents, a leather and carbon fiber flat–bottom steering wheel and Head-up Display. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, Lane Keep Assist and pedestrian emergency braking. The new 2023 Ram 1500 TRX Havoc Edition models, available in very limited quantities, go on sale early in the first quarter of 2023.

Monday, December 19, 2022

Test Drive: 2022 Toyota Rav4 Prime XSE

The Toyota Rav4 Prime plug-in hybrid was introduced at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show and went on sale in the summer of 2020 as a 2021 model. The RAV4 Prime has 302 combined net horsepower. The standard 6.6kW onboard charger takes approximately 2.5 hours to charge the battery and when fully charged, RAV4 Prime has an EPA-estimated range rating of 42 miles of EV-only driving. It seamlessly switches between hybrid and EV modes delivering an EPA-estimated combined 94 MPGe rating. On our 300 mile test drive, we remained in hybrid mode and achieved good fuel economy. The JBL® Premium Audio system has 800 watts of power to drive 11 speakers in nine locations, including front horn tweeters and a subwoofer.

Starting MSRP for the 2023 Rav4 Prime SE is $42,925 (including $1,335 delivery, processing and handling fee) and for the XSE is $46,795 going higher with options like the $3,350 Premium package with headup display, panoramic glass roof and more, the $1,620 premium audio package and the $375 weather package.

Click to view video.

Thursday, December 15, 2022

2023 Subaru WRX Starts At $31,625 This Spring

The fifth-generation 2023 Subaru WRX is powered by a 271 horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER® engine mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission with an optional Subaru Performance Transmission available on all trim levels (standard on GT). An available option package for Premium adds an 11-speaker Harman Kardon® Speaker System plus Power Moonroof for $1,875. The 2023 WRX arrives in retailers this Spring and offered in four trim levels: Base starting at $31,625 (including $1,020 destination and delivery), Premium from $34,125, Limited starting at $38,515 and GT starting at $44,415.

Thursday, December 1, 2022

2022 LA Auto Show Video: Ford F-150 Lightning Pickup Truck Update


Jason Turnbull
, Senior Marketing Manager for the Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck gives an update on vehicle improvements and price increases since its reveal in May 2021. 

2022 LA Auto Show Video: Hyundai IONIQ 6 EV


The all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 6, "Electrified Streamliner", is for the EV sedan buyer as Hyundai Motor America Senior Manager, Product Planning Mike Evanoff discusses in this interview from the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show. 

The IONIQ 7 Concept was shown at the 2021 LA Auto Show along side the IONIQ 5 EV SUV. (Click to view.)

2022 LA Auto Show Video: 2024 Kia Seltos Refresh


The Kia Seltos, which debuted at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, is getting a refresh for the 2024 model year as Kia America Product Manager Jenny Chang discusses in this interview. 


Click here to watch interview.