2014 Acura MDX Coming Mid-Year

The 2014 Acura MDX Prototype is the direction for the third generation of the 7-passenger Acura MDX performance luxury SUV, 1.5-inches lower than the outgoing model, and launching by mid-year in both all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive layouts. The 2014 MDX will also feature an all-new, more rigid and lightweight chassis and an all-new, direct-injected 3.5-liter i-VTEC SOHC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management.

2013 BMW 320i For $33,445 In Late-Spring

The new 2013 BMW 320i Sedan for the US market with a 180-horsepower 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine goes on sale in late-Spring priced from $33,445 (including $895 Destination & Handling). The BMW 320i xDrive Sedan featuring BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system will also be available from $35,445 (including $895 Destination & Handling). Preliminary fuel economy estimates for the 320i with 6-speed manual transmission are 22 City / 34 Highway, while 23 City / 33 Highway are estimated for the 320i equipped with 8-speed automatic. The 320i xDrive model is expected to achieve 22 City / 33 Highway. The broad palette of standard equipment includes Bluetooth smartphone integration and BMW’s Auto Start-Stop function. It's lowered the entry into a new 3 Series sedan by more than $3,000.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Offers EcoDiesel Engine

 
2014 Jeep® Grand Cherokee has a new 240 horsepower 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine mated to a new eight-speed transmission delivering 30 miles per gallon with a driving range of more than 730 miles and a towing capability of 7,400 pounds. Other engine options are the 290 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine achieving up to 25 mpg highway and more than 600-miles driving range and the 360 horsepower 5.7-liter V-8 getting up to 21 mpg highway. The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit models.

A new Eco Mode optimizes the transmission’s shift schedule and, in V-8 models, Fuel Saver cylinder deactivation. The Eco Mode also activates Grand Cherokee’s air suspension system, lowering it to “Aero Ride Height” when the vehicle speed remains between 52 mph and 56 mph, or exceeds 56 mph. The new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee features three available 4x4 systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II), an available Quadra-Lift air suspension and a Selec-Terrain traction management system which offers five different driving conditions: Sand, Mud, Auto, Snow, Rock.

2014 Jeep Compass Arrives In The 2nd Quarter

 
The 2014 Jeep Compass features a standard 158 horsepower 2.0-liter World Gas Engine for the Sport and Latitude models coupled with the standard five-speed manual transmission or the available new PowerTech six-speed automatic transmission, and delivers fuel economy of up to 30 mpg on the highway when mated to the five-speed manual transmission. The 172 horsepower 2.4-liter I-4 World Engine with dual variable-valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, is available on all models and standard on the Limited. The Jeep Compass’ 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transaxle in front-wheel drive configuration delivers 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

The 2014 Jeep Compass is available in three configurations: Sport, Latitude and Limited. All are available with front-wheel drive, the Freedom Drive I full-time active 4x4 system, or the Freedom Drive II Off-road full-time active 4x4 system with low-range capability. The 2014 Jeep Compass provides up to 2,000 pounds of towing capacity and all models will begin arriving in dealer showrooms in the second quarter.

2014 Infinti Q50 Sedan Arrives This Summer

The all-new 2014 Infiniti Q50 luxury sports sedan takes its styling cues from the Infiniti Essence concept, and has a choice of a 328 horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine or new Q50 Hybrid featuring Infiniti's Direct Response Hybrid System™ with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control.  Both powertrains will be offered with rear-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.  The all-new 2014 Infiniti Q50 goes on sale at Infiniti retailers in the United States and Canada this Summer.

Cadillac ATS and Ram 1500 Win North American Awards

The Cadillac ATS took the 2013 North American Car of the Year. The jurors gave the ATS 207 points, the Accord 159 points and the Fusion 124 points.

The Ram 1500 won the 2013 North American Truck/Utility of the Year. The jurors gave the Ram 1500 261 points, the CX-5 142 points and the C-Max 87 points.

Get the tour of the Ram 1500.

The awards, now in their 20th year, were chosen by a jury of 49 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada.

2014 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S This Spring At $146,975

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S with a 550 horsepower 4.8-liter twin-turbocharged engine that accelerates from zero to 60 in 4.3 seconds and a top track speed of 175 mph is scheduled to arrive in dealerships in the Spring at a starting price of $146,975 (including a $975 destination charge).

Lincoln MKC Concept Makes Debut

The Lincoln MKC Concept small luxury utility vehicle makes its debut in Detroit.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Arrives In 3rd Quarter

The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray with an estimated 450 horsepower from an all-new 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine is able to accelerate from 0-60 in less than four seconds and will exceed the EPA-estimated 26 mpg of the current model when it goes on sale in the third quarter of this year. America's finest sports car? Could be.

Lightweight materials include a carbon fiber hood and removable roof panel, composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels,  carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new aluminum frame help shift weight rearward for an optimal 50/50 weight balance. The Z51 Performance Package includes an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling, as well as an aero package that further improves high-speed stability. This looks like the best answer to mid-life crisis and the ultimate retirement self-reward.

Toyota Furia Concept Sedan Debuts Next Week

The Toyota Furia Concept sedan will make its world debut next week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Furia will be revealed using a structure housing thirty of Samsung Display’s new 46-inch transparent LCD screens to partially obstruct or completely block view of the vehicle until the panels are made completely clear to show the car.

The global reveal of the Furia Concept will be broadcast live via Livestream at http://new.livestream.com/toyota.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG 4MATIC Coming This Summer

The new 2014 E63 AMG 4MATIC with all-wheel-drive as standard equipment on all U.S. models makes its debut in Detroit next week and goes on sale this Summer. There's a 550 horsepower 5.5-liter AMG V8 Biturbo engine mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission and an available 577 horsepower S-Model with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.5 seconds. The top-of-the-line E-Class AMG model comes in a sedan and wagon. The E63 AMG and the CLS63 AMG all-wheel-drive passenger car models are part of the Mercedes-AMG line-up along with the ML63 AMG, GL63 AMG, and G63 AMG SUV's. 

Rolls-Royce Has Record Global Sales In 2012

 
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars reported record global sales of 3,575 cars for 2012, the third consecutive record and the best sales result in its 108-year history with notable gains in the Middle East (up 26%), Mainland Europe (up 21%), and Asia Pacific (up 18%), The United States and China remained the most significant individual markets for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. A number of markets reported record sales, including Saudi Arabia (up 63%) and Germany (up 15%).

Rolls-Royce has the Phantom family of products – Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Drophead Coupe and Phantom Coupe – and the Ghost family – Ghost and Ghost Extended Wheelbase.Thirty new or refurbished dealerships opened across the world, taking the total to over 100 for the first time in the company's history. Rolls-Royce also expanded into new markets, including Latin America, and sold motor cars in more than 40 countries worldwide.

All-new Lexus IS and IS F-Sport To Debut Next Week

 
The all-new Lexus IS, inspired by the LF-CC concept, is wider and longer and will make its world debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week and expected to go on sale this Summer. The F Sport model of the Lexus IS (above) has an exclusive grille and front bumper design with the ‘waistline’ of the grille is higher than on standard models, increasing the area of the lower grille to make it capable of drawing in a larger volume of cooling air appropriate to a sportier performance. The center console incorporates Lexus first, electrostatic switches to control the air conditioning temperature with the touch of a finger. More next week.

Dodge Throws Another Dart - 2013 Dart GT In Q2

 
2013 Dodge Dart GT with the 184 horsepower 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 four-cylinder engine mated to either a six-speed manual or available six-speed PowerTech automatic AutoStick for an MSRP of $20,995 (excluding destination charges) will debut at North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week and go on sale in the second quarter. Standard equipment on the 2013 Dart GT model includes Nappa leather, 18-inch aluminum wheels, sport suspension with frequency sensing damping shocks, an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen and ParkView rear backup camera. Seems like a lot of car for the money. Check out the 2013 Dodge Darts.

Sid Is Gone, But Harman Is A Hit With Aha At CES

Sid Harman would love this. The Canadian-born genius who died last year at age 92 worked hard at putting his audio and infotainment systems in cars and now Aha, a unit of HARMAN International Industries, the interactive service that makes Web content as easy and safe to use as radio, is revolutionizing the latest model vehicles and just may be the hit of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week. Aha uses the Harman Cloud Platform to organize content from the Web into personalized radio stations that consumers can listen to from anywhere – at home, on the go, or safely from the driver's seat.

Porsche Aha

By the end of 2013, more than ten automotive manufacturers will launch vehicles using Aha to enable safe access to Web content for drivers, including Acura, Ford, Honda, Porsche and Subaru. The Aha platform and service was started in 2008 in Silicon Valley by a group of Web and multimedia veterans with a shared passion for delivering an "always on" audio experience to connect drivers to the content they really want. HARMAN, named after its founder Sid, designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets, acquired Aha in September 2010.

Sid who passed away in April of 2012 will be remembered every time someone decides to switch on one of his Harman Kardon®, JBL®, Mark Levinson® or Infinity® systems or use Aha to create music for their ears.

Consumer Electronics Show: Subaru

The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the largest annual attraction in Las Vegas, that starts Tuesday is once again heavily weighted to automotive with Subaru demonstrating in-car connectivity.

On the all-new 2014 Forester at CES, Subaru will debut its new STARLINK in-car connectivity brand demonstrating its Aha integration from its partner HARMAN International and its Eyesight® driver-assist system that integrates adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, and vehicle lane departure and sway warning. Eyesight® has two charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras mounted inside the car on the upper edge of the windshield (see above) and, under certain circumstances, is able to bring the car to a complete stop, thus avoiding a collision. Below closing speeds of approximately 19mph, Eyesight® is capable of detecting pedestrians in the vehicle's path and can activate in order to mitigate or even avoid a collision.

Consumer Electronics Show: Hyundai

The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the largest annual attraction in Las Vegas, that starts Tuesday is once again heavily weighted to automotive with Hyundai showing off new next-generation concepts and future infotainment systems.

Hyundai will integrate Siri, the voice activated Apple assistant, through its Eyes Free infotainment system for drivers with a compatible iPhones running iOS 6. Dragon Drive, developed by Nuance, is an automotive-grade voice services platform for the connected car that enables drivers to speak naturally and conversationally with in-car systems like dictating messages or searching for music, weather and restaurants. MHL technology (Mobile High-Definition Link) integrates mobile devices into the car infotainment experience by delivering 1080p60 uncompressed video with up to eight channels of digital audio from a mobile device to a dashboard display, all while charging the device. Hyundai will also feature the latest hardware with high resolution, multi-touch displays, Bluetooth® 3.0 and Wi-Fi/3G connectivity options with user-centric interface design. Drivers will be able to access connectivity features such as web browsing, mobile hot-spot, and media streaming through the support of DLNA and Mirror Link and Aha by HARMAN. These next-generation systems will also showcase entertainment features like Pandora®, HD Radio® and SIRIUSXM®.

Check out Hyundai's latest Bluelink videos.

2014 Mazda6 Starts At $21,675 MSRP Now

The all-new 2014 Mazda6 mid-size sedan is on sale now with a starting MSRP of $21,675 (includes $795 destination charge) for the entry i Sport, $25,290 for the mid-level i Touring trim on larger 19-inch alloy wheels with Blind Spot Monitoring system and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and $30,290 for the i Grand Touring that includes all the equipment features of the i Touring with Touring Technology Package. The 2014 Mazda6 has the 184 horsepower SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine mated to either the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission getting 25 city/37 highway/29 combined MPG or achieving 26 city/38 highway/30 combined with the optional automatic transmission. The 2014 Mazda6 with the SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine will be offered during the second half of the year. 

MazdaUSA President Jim O'Sullivan discusses Mazda6 at L.A. Auto Show.

2014 Audi R8 And RS 5 Cabriolet Coming This Spring

 
Audi has the U.S. debut of the 2014 Audi R8 model line at the NAIAS in Detroit in about a week. At the top of the R8 line-up is the new R8 V10 Plus with 550 horsepower and 398 lb.-ft. of torque. The Audi R8 V10 generates 525 horsepower with 391 lb.-ft. of torque. The Audi R8 V8 FSI® produces 430 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque. All Audi R8 models have the option of the gated 6-speed manual transmission or the new seven-speed S tronic double-clutch transmission that boosts the performance of the Audi R8 with smoother shifts.

The new 2014 Audi RS 5 Cabriolet, a four-seat convertible with a cloth soft top, will also premiere at the Detroit show in mid-January. The RS 5 Cabriolet is powered by a naturally aspirated 450 horsepower 4.2 liter V8 engine with FSI direct injection. Fuel economy is16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined. The Audi R8 and RS 5 Cabriolet will both go on sale this Spring.Audi says there will be more to see at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit that starts in about 10 days.

2014 BMW Z4 Among Detroit Debuts A Week Away

BMW has lots to show in Detroit next week including the updated 2014 BMW Z4 (above) The BMW Z4 sDrive28i features a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder that goes 0-60 mph in about five-and-a-half seconds and delivers up to 34 mpg. The Z4 sDrive35i and Z4 sDrive35is both use versions of BMW’s 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six.

The BMW 4 Series Concept Coupe will make its world debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Monday, January 14th. According to BMW, the new “4” segment, is the latest addition to a nomenclature that sees BMW building on the fine tradition of its large BMW 6 Series and BMW 8 Series Coupes, the “4” stands for greater sportiness, greater exclusivity and even clearer differentiation from the BMW 3 Series range.

Also in Detroit, BMW will have the world premiere of the 2013 BMW M6 Gran Coupe with its 560 horsepower V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology coupled with a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic. BMW will have the North American Premiere of the 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon.