Monday, October 16, 2023

2024 Nissan Rogue Adds New Looks and Features in Early 2024

The 2024 Nissan Rogue, in S, SV, SL and Platinum grades available with front- or all-wheel drive, receives an exterior refresh and available technology upgrades. Rogue is powered by a standard 201 horsepower 1.5-liter Variable Compression Turbo engine paired with a Xtronic CVT and Idle Stop/Start engine shut off. Using a 12.3-inch HD color touchscreen, the new infotainment system integrates Google Assistant, Google Maps and more on Google Play into Rogue's dashboard (SL, Platinum grades). The 2024 Nissan Rogue goes on sale at U.S. dealerships in early 2024 with pricing to be announced at a later date.

2024 Toyota Crown Starts At $41,145

The 2024 Toyota Crown, in XLE, Limited and Platinum trims, is powered by a standard AWD hybrid powertrain with a choice of Hybrid MAX or Toyota Hybrid System. The XLE and Limited grades are equipped with the fourth-generation Toyota Hybrid system that pairs front and rear electric motors with a 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with eCVT that shifts gears electronically delivering an EPA-estimated 41 MPG combined city/highway rating. Exclusive to the Platinum grade, Hybrid MAX pairs front and rear electric motors with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and direct shift 6-speed automatic transmission for 340 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined city/highway fuel economy rating. The XLE and Limited grades come standard with Toyota’s Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive and the Platinum grade comes with Full-time Electronic All-Wheel Drive. 

All Crown grades will come with Toyota’s new Audio Multimedia System and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard with an available 12.3-inch touchscreen that includes Over-the-Air updates. Users can interact with the system through touch and voice activation. The 2024 Toyota Crown starts $41,145 (including $1,095 DHP).

Thursday, October 12, 2023

2024 Lexus TX Starts At $55,050 Now

The first-ever 2024 Lexus TX three-row SUV comes in Standard, Premium, Luxury, F SPORT Performance Premium, and F SPORT Performance Luxury grades, and like the RX and NX, rides on the GA-K platform. The TX 350 (FWD/AWD) has the 275 horsepower 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 engine, also seen on the RX and NX, with an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. The TX 500h F SPORT Performance (DIRECT4 AWD only) is powered by the 2.4L turbocharged Parallel Hybrid system providing 366 total system horsepower matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. The TX 350 and 500h are on sale now with a starting MSRP of $55,050 (including DPH). The TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid (DIRECT4 AWD only and available only in the Luxury grade) combines a two-motor transaxle and 3.5 VL V6 engine with DIRECT4 for a 404 total system horsepower and a manufacturer projected estimated EV range rating of 33 miles. All three powertrains can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The TX 550h+ is expected to go on sale at the beginning of 2024. Pricing for the TX 550h+ will be available closer to the on-sale date.

2024 Lexus RC 300, RC 350 Starts At $45,920 Later This Year

The 2024 Lexus RC 300 is 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. The RC 300 AWD pairs a six-speed automatic transmission with a 260 horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The Variable Valve Timing with intelligence is designed to provide added torque at lower speeds and greater horsepower at higher speeds. The RC 350 and RC 350 AWD’s 311-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with the all-wheel drive RC 350 paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and the rear-wheel drive model equipped with an eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift transmission. The rear-wheel drive F SPORT offers an available Torsen® limited-slip rear differential helps maximize drivers’ ability to power out of corners. The starting MSRP will be $45,920 (including DPH) when the 2024 Lexus RC and RC F models arrive in dealerships later this year.

2024 BMW X2 Starts At $42,995 In March 2024

The 2024 BMW X2, 7.6 inches in length over its predecessor to 179.8 inches and now 2.6 inches longer than the new BMW X1 with overall height up 2.5 inches compared with the previous generation, is powered by the 241 horsepower 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine in the X2 xDrive28i while the all-new BMW X2 M35i xDrive 2.0-liter unit is 312 horsepower, both paired with a 7-speed Steptronic double-clutch transmission. The standard BMW Curved Display is formed by a 10.25-inch information display and a control display with a screen diagonal of 10.7 inches merged into a single unit behind a continuous glass surface that curves towards the driver. The newly developed seats in the X2 offer a lateral support in quick transitions and optimized comfort over long distances and the rear seat backrests can be folded in a 40:20:40 split. Standard features include Active Blind Spot Detection, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Active Park Distance Control and BMW Navigation. MSRP for X2 xDrive28i is $42,995 (including $995 destination) and for the X2 M35i is $52,395 when they launch in the U.S. in March 2024.

Toyota Baby Lunar Cruiser Concept

The Toyota Baby Lunar Cruiser concept, built to conquer rugged terrain on Earth and beyond, draws design cues from the original FJ40 Land Cruiser and the real Lunar Cruiser and propelled by in-wheel electric motors and controlled by dual joysticks with a full array of cameras and lidar/radar sensors, and a split tailgate configuration in back. Highly adjustable spaceframe seats and M.O.L.L.E. panels throughout give the interior the flexibility to adapt to any kind of adventure.

2024 Nissan Sentra Starts At $21,745 Now

The 2024 Nissan Sentra, powered by a 149 horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four engine and offered in S, SV and SR grades, gets new front fascia, updated headlights and new available 16-inch alloy wheels. Sentra S and SV are EPA-rated for 30 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined, while Sentra SR is rated 30 mpg city, 38 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined. It has the Nissan Safety Shield® 360 on all grades and that comprises Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking. The 2024 Nissan Sentra is on sale now with a starting MSRP of $21,745 (including $1,115 destination and handling).

2024 Toyota Prius Starts At $28,745 Next Month

The 2024 Toyota Prius hybrid, offered in LE, XLE and Limited grades, is powered by the fifth generation Toyota Hybrid System with 196 net horsepower 2.0L engine on Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive equipped models and 194 net horsepower on Front-Wheel Drive equipped models which delivers a manufacturer-estimated 57 MPG combined rating while the e-AWD system gets a manufacturer-estimated 54 MPG combined rating. It comes with an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia Screen on the LE and XLE grades, and an available 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia screen standard on the Limited grade (12.3-inch screen available as an option on the XLE grades). The 2024 Prius will come standard with Toyota Safety Sense generation 3.0 which includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams, Proactive Driving Assist, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is standard on all grades. The starting MSRP will start at $28,745 (including $1,095 Dealer Processing and Handling) for the LE grade when they start arriving at Toyota Dealerships in November.

Friday, October 6, 2023

Video: OC Auto Show On Now Through Sunday




The Orange County California Auto Show (OC Auto Show) is on now through Sunday October 8 at the Anaheim Convention Center. John Sackrison, Executive Director, Orange County Automobile Dealers Association (OCADA) discusses the show, sales and trends with Richard Saxton.



Click to watch interview.

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

2024 Genesis GV60 Starts At $53,195

The 2024 Genesis GV60, with a standard with a 168kW rear electric motor and rear-wheel drive, adds up to 46 miles or 19% more estimated range up to 294 miles on a full charge. The GV60 RWD starts at an MSRP of $53,195 (including $1,195 freight). The 2024 GV60 Advanced AWD’s has an MSRP of $61,745, and the 2024 GV60 Performance AWD has an MSRP of $70,745. Additional new standard features include a Wi-Fi hotspot capability, Genesis Digital Key 2, Highway Driving Assist II, and Advanced Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist. Genesis has increased the number of airbags and adding a seatbelt pretensioner, load limiter, and seat belt reminder for the rear seats. The 2024 GV60 Standard RWD and Advanced AWD are now available at select retailers in 23 states and the 2024 GV60 Performance AWD availability will be announced at a later date. 

2024 Honda Passport Arrives This Fall

The 2024 Honda Passport, powered by a 280 horsepower 3.5L V-6 engine paired with a i-VTM4®All-Wheel-Drive System, becomes more off-road capable with new trail-ready all-terrain tires and off-road tuned suspension and there's a new wider center console with a large, newly-integrated armrest and expanded storage. Also for 2024, a new, top-of-the-line Passport Black Edition. Passport offers 8.1 inches of ground clearance and 5,000-pound towing capacity. The 2024 Passport arrives in dealerships this Fall.

Nissan Hyper Urban Concept

The Nissan Hyper Urban concept, boasts V2G capability, enabling owners to contribute surplus power to the grid to support their local community and earn money in the process. The Intelligent Charging Management System features AI that can autonomously charge vehicles and power buildings, providing efficient management of power. Further announcements are planned this month. 

Ford F-150® Lightning® Flash™ Starts At $71,990 In Early 2024

The new Ford F-150® Lightning® Flash™, expanding the XLT model line, adds an extended-range battery with a targeted EPA-estimated range of 320 miles, available Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving and a standard 15.5-inch touchscreen for an MSRP sticker of $71,990 (including $1,995 destination charges). Online orders on Ford.com open early 2024 for the Flash™ along with the F-150 Lightning Pro with standard range starting at $51,990, XLT with standard range at $59,490, Lariat with extended range at $79,490, Platinum with extended range at $91,990, and the limited-edition F-150 Lightning Platinum Black with extended range will be available for order at $99,990. 

Volvo EX30 EV Starts At $36,245

The Volvo EX30 SUV, unveiled this past June as Volvo's 4th all-electric model, will have up to 275 miles of EPA-estimated fully electric range with a starting price of $36,245 (including $1,295 destination charge). The Single Motor Extended Range variant of the Volvo EX30 will be offered in Core, Plus and Ultra equipment levels. The Twin Motor Performance model comes in Plus and Ultra trims. Standard on every Volvo EX30 is Google built-in, featuring native Google Maps and Google Assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay, Driver Alert System, Blind Spot Information System, Door Opening Alert and Front & Rear Collision Mitigation.

Friday, September 29, 2023

2024 Nissan Z NISMO Starts At $66,085 Now

The limited-availability 2024 Nissan Z NISMO, powered by a 420 horsepower twin-turbo engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, is on sale now starting at $66,085 (including $1,095 destination and handling). The 2024 Nissan Z Sport starting at $43,305 and Performance priced at $53,305 deliver 400 horsepower with a choice between a six-speed, close-ratio manual transmission with Exedy® high-performance clutch and a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. 

2024 Honda Prologue EV Arrives Early 2024

The all-electric 2024 Honda Prologue, about 8-inches longer and 5-inches wider than the CR-V is Honda’s first all-electric SUV, and is expected to receive an EPA range rating of 300 miles on a full charge. Prologue's 288 horsepower permanent magnet, direct drive powertrain will come in both single-motor (front-wheel-drive) and dual-motor (all-wheel-drive) configurations with EX, Touring and Elite trim levels. Prologue’s 85kWh lithium-ion battery pack can recharge 65 miles of range in about 10 minutes. Pre-sale activities for Prologue will start later this year with first deliveries slated for early 2024 with MSRP expected to start in the upper $40,000s.

2024 Kia EV9 Starts At $56,395 Later This Year

The all-new, all-electric 2024 Kia EV9, Kia’s first three-row SUV EV accommodating up to seven passengers, is powered by a 215 horsepower permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. Slightly longer than the Telluride SUV and comparable in height, the EV9 will start at $56,395 (including $1,495 destination charge), when it goes on sale later this year. Pricing for the Light Long Range, Wind, Land and GT-Line will be announced later. Standard dual 12.3-inch screens and a 5.0-inch HVAC screen are seamlessly integrated into one single panel. Standard 800V architecture permits DC fast charging of 10 to 80 percent in under 25 minutes.

Thursday, September 28, 2023

2024 Nissan Versa Starts At $17,225

The 2024 Nissan Versa, powered by a 122 horsepower in-line 4-cylinder engine mated to a 5-speed manual or D-step Xtronic CVT transmission is on sale now from a starting price of $17,225 (including $1,095 destination and handling). Standard features include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Automatic Braking and High Beam Assist. Available technologies include Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Further, available class-exclusive Intelligent Cruise Control7 makes highway driving more convenient. Versa was refreshed for the 2023 model year with a redesigned front fascia and grille.

Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe

The new Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe, powered by a 671 horsepower E PERFORMANCE Hybrid in the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE Coupe, comes from a  469 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with electric exhaust gas turbocharger combined with a 201 horsepower electric motor positioned on the rear axle and integrated with an electrically shifted two-speed transmission and electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential in a compact Electric Drive Unit. Standard equipment is rear-axle steering, all-wheel drive, AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9G transmission with wet start-off clutch and AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping supports the dynamic driving experience.

Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Starts At $105,650 Next Spring

The Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid, powered by a revised 348 horsepower three-liter V6 turbo engine paired with a 174 horsepower electric motor for a total system output of 512 horsepower, fits between the the Cayenne E-Hybrid and the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid models. The new Cayenne S E-Hybrid SUV and Coupe models can be ordered immediately, and are expected to reach dealers in Spring of 2024. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid has an MSRP of $100,750 (including the $1,650 delivery, processing, and handling fee), while the Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe has an MSRP of $105,650.

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

2024 Nissan Kicks Starts At $20,790

The 2024 Nissan Kicks, in S, SV and SR trims and powered by a 122 horsepower 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine mated to an Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission), is on sale now with a starts at $20,790 (including  $1,335 destination and handling). EPA fuel economy ratings are up to 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined. The 2024 Kicks SV and SR now include NissanConnect® Services, featuring a Wi-Fi hotspot, as standard. 

2024 Mazda CX-30 Starts At $26,370

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, powered by a 191 horsepower updated Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and sport mode, has a starting MSRP of $26,370 (including $1,375 for destination and handling). The Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo four-cylinder engine produces 250 horsepower on premium 93 octane fuel, while on regular 87 octane fuel it produces 227 horsepower. A newly available 10.25” infotainment display features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and touchscreen functionality. 

2024 Kia Niro Hybrid Starts At $28,165

The 2024 Kia Niro, in its second generation offers LX, EX, EX Touring, SX and SX Touring trim levels and is available in HEV, PHEV, EV powertrains. The hybrid (HEV), powered by a 139 horsepower 1.6L Gas Direct Injection engine in conjunction with a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor is rated at 53 MPG combined fuel economy and nearly 600 miles of total driving range. The 2024 Kia Niro hybrid arrives with very few changes for 2024 starting at $28,165 (including $1,325 destination) for the LX model. 

Saturday, September 16, 2023

2024 Nissan Frontier Starts At $31,105 This Fall

The 2024 Nissan Frontier, powered by a 310-horsepower, 3.8-liter direct-injection V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission with a towing capacity of up to 6,640 pounds, is on sale this Fall starting at $31,105 (including $1,335 destination and handling). The price goes up to $43,975 for the Frontier SL Crew Cab 4x4 model. The 2024 Frontier adds an SL grade on Crew Cab models while the King Cab is offered with a 6-foot bed, the Crew Cab S and PRO-X/PRO-4X models feature a 5-foot bed and the Crew Cab SV is offered with either a 5-foot or a 6-foot bed. Additionally for 2024, available NissanConnect® Services including a three-year trial (up from a six-month trial previously). 

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

2024 Jeep Gladiator Coming Year End

The new 2024 Jeep Gladiator, available in Sport, Willys, Mojave and Rubicon models, is powered by a standard 285 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine featuring engine stop-start paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission. The new Mojave X and Rubicon X models, have integrated off-road camera, steel bumpers and Nappa leather-trimmed 12-way power adjustable front seats. 4x4 max towing is up to 7,700 pounds with a max payload up to 1,725 pounds. Ordering is open now and vehicles will start to arrive in U.S. Jeep dealerships at the end of this year.

2024 GMC Acadia Coming Soon

The all-new 2024 GMC Acadia, 10.6 inches longer and 3.2 inches taller than the previous generation, is powered by a new 328 horsepower 2.5L turbocharged engine paired with an eight-speed automatic on all trims with available all-wheel drive, including an exclusive off-road-capable Active Torque Control AWD system on the redesigned Acadia AT4. When properly equipped, it has a max trailering rating of 5,000 pounds. The 2024 Acadia with a 15-inch-diagonal infotainment screen, becomes the fifth nameplate within the GMC portfolio to offer Super Cruise, a true hands-free advanced driver assistance system available on more than 400,000 miles of roads in the U.S. and Canada. There's standard one-touch folding second-row seats and power-folding third row. 

2025 Cadillac CT5 Coming Refreshed Spring 2024

The refreshed 2025 Cadillac CT5, with revised front fascia, is powered by a standard 237 horsepower 2.0L Turbo engine or an available 335 horsepower 3.0L Twin-Turbo engine with available all-wheel drive mated to a ten-speed automatic with Electronic Precision Shift. The CT5’s new 33-inch-diagonal LED color touchscreen display is capable of 9K resolution and curves toward the driver in a single, continuous screen spanning the driver’s viewing area. The 2025 Cadillac CT5 will be produced at GM’s Lansing Grand River Assembly facility in Michigan, with production to begin in spring 2024. Additional details and pricing will be announced in the future. The refreshed 2025 Cadillac CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing will be announced at a later date. 

2024 Ford F-150® Pick-Up Coming In Early 2024

The new 2024 Ford F-150® truck, available starting early 2024, is powered by a new standard 2.7-liter EcoBoost® engine or available 3.5-liter EcoBoost, 3.5-liter PowerBoost, 3.5-liter High Output (F-150® Raptor®), 5.0-liter V8, 5.2-liter supercharged V8 (F-150® Raptor R®) with a maximum available towing capacity of 13,500 pounds. Right now, 10 percent of all F-150 trucks sold are hybrids. Ford plans to double the mix of hybrid trucks manufactured for the 2024 model year. The initial starting MSRP on PowerBoost® Hybrid, available on XLT through Platinum Plus will now match the starting MSRP on the 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine.  

Lotus Emeya Coming Next Year

The new all-electric Lotus Emeya, the company’s first four-door hyper-GT, has a high-power dual motor set-up that delivers a top speed of more than 155mph. It can add 93 miles of range with approximately five minutes of charge using a 350kW DC fast charger, as well as boost range up to 80% within 18 minutes. Production is expected to begin in 2024 with further information on Emeya will be released in Q4. 

2024 INFINITI QX60 Starts At $50,845 Now

The 2024 INFINITI QX60, powered by a 295 horsepower 3.5-liter direct-injected V-6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission can tow up to 6,000 lbs. and starts at $50,845 MSRP (including $1,195 destination and handling charge). Standard features include Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning and High Beam Assist. The 2024 INFINITI QX60 is on sale now.

Volkswagen ID. GTI Concept EV

The Volkswagen ID. GTI Concept, based on the ID. 2all concept introduced in March, is 100 percent electric, 161.6-inches long overall on a 102.4-in wheelbase sitting on 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 245/35 performance tires and has a 12.9-inch infotainment touch display. 

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class

The Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class, the forerunner for an entirely new all-electric segment of entry-level vehicles at Mercedes-Benz, coming in a four-door coupe, a shooting brake and two SUVs. The next-generation 800 V electric-drive system drivetrain has a range of more than 466 miles and rapid charging of up to 248 miles in 15 minutes. The 175 kW permanently excited synchronous machine is paired with a two-speed transmission. The MO360 production system allows Mercedes-Benz to produce electric, hybrid and petrol models on the same production line and to scale the manufacturing of electric vehicles in line with market demand. Mercedes-Benz aims to achieve net carbon neutrality along the entire value chain in its fleet of new vehicles in 2039.

All-Electric MINI Cooper and Countryman

The all-electric MINI Cooper, available in the Cooper E with a 135 kW/184 horsepower electric motor delivering a range of 190 miles determined in the WLTP test cycle and the Cooper SE with an output of 160 kW/218 horsepower with 250 mile range. Within the new MINI family, “Cooper” refers to all MINI 3-door and 5-door models, and also the MINI Convertible. It is no longer used as an engine specification. The new all-electric MINI Countryman has grown by 5.1 inches in length and is powered by a 150 kW/204 horsepower electric motor in the MINI Countryman E delivering a range of 287 miles and 230 kW/313 horsepower of electric motors of the all-wheel drive MINI Countryman SE delivering a range of 269 miles for the MINI Countryman SE ALL4. In addition, the MINI Aceman will premiere in April 2024 as a crossover in the premium small car segment. 

2024 Chrysler Pacifica Offers Hybrid Variant

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica, with seating available for up to eight passengers, is powered a 287 horsepower 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine mated to a 9 speed automatic transmission and 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid's dual-motor eFlite electrically variable transmission paired with a modified version of the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 gasoline engine delivers more than 80 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric-only mode, an all-electric range of more than 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles. The Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit. Pacifica delivers available all-wheel-drive capability paired with Stow ‘n Go seating and available Stow ‘n Vac system. 

2024 INFINITI QX80 Starts At $76,045 Soon

The 2024 INFINITI QX80 flagship SUV, powered by a 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 engine with a 7-speed automatic transmission rated to tow up to 8,500 pounds, arrives in showrooms this month with a starting MSRP of $76,045 (including $1,895 destination and handling charge) for the QX80 LUXE and $79,195 with All-Mode® Four-Wheel Drive. The QX80 PREMIUM SELECT is $80,680 and $83,780 with 4WD. The QX80 SENSORY $87,730 and $90,830 with 4WD. Standard connectivity features include a widescreen, high-definition 12.3-inch INFINITI InTouch display that includes navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay®, USB-based Android Auto™ compatibility and Amazon Alexa® that can play music, place calls, control compatible smart home devices and more, with only voice commands.

2024 Hyundai Elantra Gets New Fascias This Fall

The 2024 Hyundai Elantra, powered by a 147 horsepower 2.0L Inline 4-cylinder engine, 201 horsepower 1.6L Inline 4-cylinder turbo engine, both mated to a Smartstream® Intelligent Variable Transmission , 276 horsepower 2.0L turbo engine (for the N) or a 139 horsepower total output 1.6L engine combined with hybrid electric motor. New for 2024 are a new shark-nose front, new rear fascia and thinner LED daytime running lights. New and standard on all trims are rear side airbags, new rear seat belt reminder, steering wheel haptic feedback added to Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. The 2024 Elantra goes on sale this Fall.

2024 Hyundai Sonata Adds AWD This Winter

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata midsize sedan is powered by a choice of a 191 horsepower 2.5L engine, 290 horsepower 2.5L turbo engine or 180 horsepower 2.0L hybrid electric mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai TRACtion (HTRAC) AWD system mated to the 2.5L engine is now available on Sonata for the first time actively distributing torque between the front and rear wheels, depending on road conditions and driving situations. The Sonata is 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, available Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, and available Highway Driving Assist. The new 2024 Sonata goes on sale this Winter. 

Thursday, August 31, 2023

2024 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Starts At $148,550 In Q2 of 2024

The new 2024 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is powered by an electric motor generating 174 horsepower combined with a 591 horsepower four-liter V8 twin-turbo engine delivers total system output of 729 horsepower. Compared to its predecessor, the new Cayenne E-Hybrid models have a significantly larger 25.9 kWh high-voltage battery and the new 11-kW on-board charger can reduce the charging time to less than 2.5 hours using a suitable wall charger, even with the increased battery capacity. The new Turbo E-Hybrid Cayenne variant is the second of three hybrid models for the Cayenne that Porsche will introduce this year. The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid has an MSRP of $148,550 (including the $1,650 delivery, processing and handling fee), while the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Coupe has an MSRP of $153,050. The Turbo E-Hybrid models can be ordered now and are expected to reach U.S. dealers in Q2 of next year. 

2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB Coming With Updates 1st Half of 2024

The updated the all-electric 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+ delivers 188 horsepower with a range of 271 to 333 miles, the EQB 300 4Matic has 225 horsepower with a range of 246 to 278 miles and the EQB 350 4Matic with 288 horsepower has the same range of 246 to 278 miles. When the charging cable is plugged in, the charging process starts automatically and customers do not need to additionally authenticate themselves. The vehicle and charging station communicate directly via the charging cable. As an optional seven-seater, the two third row seats can fit people up to 5.4 ft. tall or child seats. With three display styles (classic/sporty/discreet), three modes (navigation/assistance/service) and the 10 color worlds of ambient light, the graphics of the screens can be individualized. The 2024 EQB will arrive at U.S. dealerships first half of 2024. The current model EQB starts around $54,000.

Rolls-Royce Amethyst and La Rose Noire Droptail Roadsters

Rolls-Royce Amethyst Droptail (above), a roadster body type with removeable hardtop, is one of four from Rolls-Royce Coachbuild that began in 2017 with Sweptail, a two-door coupé, followed by the Boat Tail in 2021, and La Rose Noire Droptail (below). Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a wholly owned subsidiary of the BMW Group and is a completely separate, unrelated company from Rolls-Royce plc, the manufacturer of aircraft engines and propulsion systems.



2024 Volkswagen Atlas Starts At $39,075

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, powered by a 269 horsepower four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, comes in SE, SE w/ Technology, Peak Edition SE w/ Technology, SEL, Peak Edition SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line trim levels starting at $39,075 (including the $1,350 destination charge). MSRP for the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport 2.0-liter starts at $38,065. The seven-seater Atlas lineup adds the Atlas Peak Edition trimline for 2024. Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is available across the model lineup.

Lamborghini Lanzador Concept Previews 2028 Vehicle

The Lamborghini Lanzador concept has a power electric motor on each axle delivering a peak power of over one megawatt. The all-wheel drive offers active e-torque vectoring on the rear axle for cornering. Lamborghini calls their fourth model concept, the Ultra GT, in a new car segment. The Lanzador gives an insight into the series model to be built from 2028.

Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Mulliner

The Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Mulliner, Bentley's new luxury flagship, is powered by a 550 horsepower 32-valve dual twin-scroll turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission powering all four wheels. At speeds below 37 mph the All Wheel Steering has the effect of ‘shortening’ the wheelbase, reducing the turning circle, and increasing agility in tight urban environments making parking noticeably easier. The rear compartment, available in 4+1 and 4-seat configurations, features the Bentley Airline Seat specification with 22-ways of adjustment. The auto climate seat technology senses occupant temperature and surface humidity and then determines whether to apply heat, ventilation or both simultaneously to keep the occupant at optimum thermal wellbeing. The new Bentayga EWB Mulliner joins the Flying Spur Mulliner, Continental GT Mulliner and Continental GT Convertible Mulliner.

Sunday, August 27, 2023

2025 Ford Mustang® GTD For $300,000 Late 2024, Early 2025

The all-new 2025 Ford Mustang® GTD, inspired by the Mustang GT3, in a carbon fiber Mustang body, is powered by an estimated 800 horsepower supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine sent to the rear wheels through a carbon fiber driveshaft connected to an 8-speed rear transaxle for near 50/50 weight distribution between the front and rear. Production of Mustang GTD will be limited, and pricing is expected to begin at approximately $300,000 and will be available in late 2024, early 2025.

New All-electric 2024 Acura ZDX Coming Early Next Year

The new all-electric 2024 Acura ZDX, offered as the ZDX A-Spec in both single-motor (rear-wheel-drive) and dual-motor (all-wheel-drive) configurations, is expected to start in the $60,000 range. The ZDX Type S, with an estimated 500-horsepower with an EPA range rating of 325 zero-emission miles with a dual-motor AWD powertrain is expected to start in the $70,000 range. ZDX features a combined 22-inches of high-definition digital screen real estate with a standard Precision Cockpit Driver Information Cluster (11-inches) and Center Information Screen (11.3 inches) with an intuitive touchscreen interface and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Pre-sale activities for ZDX will start later this year, with first client deliveries slated for early 2024. 

2024 Toyota GR Supra Starts At $46,635 This Fall

The 2024 Toyota GR Supra is powered by a choice of a 255 horsepower 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine or a 382 horsepower 3.0-liter twin scroll turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission. A 45th Anniversary Edition, available in a choice of fiery orange Mikan Blast or icy white Absolute Zero, is equipped with an elevated gloss black rear spoiler, 19-inch matte black wheels and is available in a choice of Manual or Automatic Transmission. All models have a double joint-type MacPherson front and multi-link independent rear suspension, Normal, Sport, and Individual modes, sport calibrated electronic power steering, and dual rear exhaust outlets. The 2024 GR Supra is expected to arrive on dealer lots this Fall starting at $46,635 (including $1,095 dealer processing and handling) for the GR Supra 2.0 model and $55,595 for the GR Supra 3.0 model.

2024 Nissan Altima Starts At $26,825 Now

The 2024 Nissan Altima, restyled for the 2023 model year, is powered by either a 188 horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder direct-injection engine mated to a Xtronic transmission for front-wheel-drive models (182 horsepower with AWD) delivering 27 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive S and SV grades, and 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive SR and SL models, or an available an 248 horsepower 2.0-liter Variable Compression Turbo engine. Nissan Safety Shield® 360 which includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking is standard on every Altima. The 2024 Nissan Altima, on sale now, starts at $26,825 (including $1,095 destination and handling).

Monday, August 14, 2023

Test Drive: 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition $48,515

Richard Saxton test drives and reviews the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition. The Toyota 4Runner, powered by a 270-horsepower DOHC 4.0-liter V6 engine with 278 lb.-ft. of peak torque mated to a five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission, has reached the 40-year mark with the 2023 model year and, to celebrate, Toyota is offering a 4WD-only 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition with a limited production of 4,040 vehicle available for the U.S. market. On sale now starting at $48,515 (including $1,395 delivery, processing, and handling fee). As of mid-August 2023, about 2,600 have been sold. Based on the SR5 Premium grade 4Runner, the 40th Anniversary Edition is available in White, Midnight Black Metallic and this Barcelona Red Metallic exterior color. 

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