Audi RS 7 Sportback, 24 mpg With 560 Horsepower

The Audi RS 7 Sportback five-door coupe uses a 560 horsepower 4.0 TFSI twin-turbo V8 engine with a cylinder on demand system that at low to medium loads and engine speeds, deactivates cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8 by closing their valves via electromechanical actuators. The 4.0 TFSI then runs as a four-cylinder engine until the driver puts more metal to the pedal and accelerates. The engine is mated to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission which also contributes to the RS 7 achieving 24 mpg from a powerful quattro permanent all-wheel drive powertrain. The Audi RS 7 Sportback is top of the line, dishing out even more power than the all-new Audi S7 which at 420 horsepower has a starting price of $79,695.

MINI John Cooper Works Paceman Starts At $36,200 In March

The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman is an ALL4 all-wheel drive MINI with a 208 horsepower 1.6 liter turbocharged engine making it the 7th John Cooper Works model in the line-up which will sell for $36,200 (including $700 destination charge) when it hits showrooms in March. The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman with a twin-scroll turbocharger with direct injection and variable valve control based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology, posts average fuel consumption in preliminary EPA estimates of 31 mpg highway / 25 mpg city / 27 mpg combined for the manual transmission (30 mpg highway / 23 mpg city / 26 mpg combined for automatic transmission). The menu of MINIs is growing and the U.S. model of this Paceman has a top speed of 127 mph.

2014 Cadillac ELR Extended-Range Electric Coupe

The 2014 Cadillac ELR touring coupe with a luxury 2+2 passenger layout has a lithium-ion battery system and an electric drive unit packaging a pair of electric motors and a multi-mode transaxle with continuously variable capability. The front-wheel-drive, two-door coupe extended-range electric vehicle has a large electric drive motor that propels the vehicle while a smaller, second electric motor serves as a generator to keep the battery pack at its minimum charge level and assists the drive motor with propulsion, based on performance, speed and efficiency requirements.

 
When power from the advanced lithium-ion storage battery pack is depleted, the range-extending gas-powered electric generator kicks in to deliver continued power for the electric drive system, extending the ELR’s range, while also ensuring the vehicle’s dynamic performance. The vehicle can be completely recharged in about 4.5 hours using a 240V outlet and 12 hours with 120V, depending on the outside temperature. There are four driver-selectable modes: Sport, Tour, Mountain, and Hold which allows owners to use its gas-powered electric generator, reserving the remaining battery charge for later use for more efficient city travel. Combined electric/extended driving range is more than 300 miles, according to Cadillac. The ELR has an 8 year / 100,000 mile warranty.

Ford Atlas Concept Pickup Truck, The F Future

The Ford Atlas Concept pickup truck features a next-generation EcoBoost® powertrain which uses gasoline direct injection and turbocharging to deliver fuel-economy gains of up to 20 percent and reduction of CO2 emissions of up to 15 percent, compared with larger-displacement engines. More than 500,000 EcoBoost engines have been sold globally, including 250,000 in the Ford F-150. Speaking of the F-150, pickup trucks are vitally important to Ford as the F-Series was America’s best-selling pickup for the 36th straight year and 31 consecutive years as America’s best-selling vehicle. Overall, Ford sold 645,316 F-Series in 2012, a 10 percent increase versus 2011.

The Atlas Concept has multiple tie-down points integrated into the cargo box walls and load floor, along with 110-volt electrical outlets in the cargo box to charge power tools. An integrated roof carrying system and hidden extendable ramps give the truck functionality for a variety of jobs. Ford Atlas Concept has such features as power running boards to help passengers enter the truck, dual-purpose tailgate step and cargo cradle for extra-long cargo items, dynamic hitch assist helps precisely line up the truck’s hitch with the trailer coupling by showing visual cues in the truck’s center display screen, and 360-degree point-of-view camera for a bird’s-eye view of the truck to help position the vehicle in tight places.

2014 Acura RLX Flagship Sedan Starts At $49,345 On March 15

 
The all-new 2014 Acura RLX flagship sedan with an all-new 310-horspower 3.5 liter direct-injected SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine and Precision All-Wheel Steer™ arrives at Acura dealerships on March 15th, starting at $49,345 (MSRP including the $895 destination charge) and running up to $61,345 for the RLX with the Advance Package. The 2014 Acura RLX will be available in five grades RLX, the RLX with Navigation ($51,845), the feature-packed RLX with Technology package ($55,345), the RLX with Krell Audio package ($57,845), and the top-of-the-line RLX with Advance package ($61,345). No pricing yet on the 370 horsepower RLX Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive® with expected EPA fuel-economy ratings of 30 city/30 highway/30 combined, coming later in the year.

L.A. Auto Show interview with Jeff Conrad - VP, Acura Sales at American Honda.

2013 Nissan LEAF S At $18,800 After Tax Credits

The new all-electric 2013 Nissan LEAF, its third model year, will start at an MSRP of $28,800 for the newly-added LEAF S grade, a less expensive version than the LEAF SV offered at $31,820 and the LEAF SL at $34,840. The LEAF S is the lowest priced five-passenger electric vehicle sold in the United States. Eligible Californians can purchase a 2013 Nissan LEAF for as low as $18,800 after the $7,500 federal tax credit and $2,500 state rebate. Nissan still has a lease offer as low as $199 per month for 36 months, which includes tax credits and destination charges. The 2013 LEAF has 17-inch alloy wheels and leather appointed interior on SL models, available Around View® Monitor and 7-speaker Bose® energy efficient audio system and a 6.6 kW onboard charger that significantly reduces 220V charging times and is standard on SV and SL models.

Nearly 50,000 LEAFs have been sold worldwide and now LEAF production is getting a boost as manufacturing recently starting in Smyrna, Tennessee, so the new lower priced LEAF S could launch sales to new heights, which Nissan is counting on.

All-New 2014 Subaru Forester Starts At $22,820

 
The all-new 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i model, with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, will be available in base, Premium, Limited and top-line Touring versions starting at $22,820 (including the $825 destination charge) for the base model 2.5i with a six-speed manual transmission.  The turbocharged Forester 2.0XT will be offered in the Premium and Touring versions, with the Premium trim offered at $28,820. Manufacturer's fuel economy estimates are 24 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 27 mpg combined.

The all-new 2014 Forester is available with Subaru Eyesight driver assistance system and all-new STARLINK cabin technology.  High-line 2014 Forester models equipped with the CVT also feature new Hill Descent Control and a new X-Mode control feature, which provides extra control in certain driving conditions.  Other new amenities and conveniences include rear vision camera, color multi-function display, power rear gate with automatic close and Keyless Access and Start.  The available navigation system features smartphone integration with the driver-friendly Aha® audio application. The top-line Touring models come standard with a navigation system and 440-watt harman/kardon® audio system.

2014 Kia Cadenza Arrives In The 2nd Quarter

The all-new 2014 Kia Cadenza premium sedan moves Kia up-market with premium standard and optional equipment, including Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection and Lane-Departure Warning System. The Cadenza is equipped with Kia’s all-aluminum 293 horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine with gasoline direct injection mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that includes a Sportmatic manual shift mode and paddle shifters around the leather and wood-wrapped steering wheel. The Cadenza is expected to arrive in Kia showrooms in the second quarter with pricing to be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept

The Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis concept has the 5.0-liter Tau® V8 engine with direct injection and Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) mated to the 8-speed automatic transmission controlled by paddle shifters. The latest technology demonstrates driver eye-tracking and 3-D hand-gesture recognition. The HCD-14 Genesis is able to recognize driver commands free from the distractions associated with manual controls. Once a specific feature is selected via eye-tracking, thumb controls or gesture recognition can be used to select navigation, infotainment, audio, HVAC, and even smartphone connectivity functions.

John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America says "HCD-14 Genesis gives a hint of the design direction we’ll be taking, and an indication of the focus we’re placing on driving dynamics and technology.”

Toyota Corolla Furia Concept, A Look To The Future

The Toyota Corolla Furia Concept compact sedan hints at the styling cues for the next-generation Corolla with an overall length of 181.9 inches. 2013 marks the 45th anniversary of Corolla in the U.S., with more than nine million sold since 1968.

2014 Nissan Versa Note Hatchback Coming This Summer

The 2014 Nissan Versa Note is the second generation of the Versa hatchback with a 109 horsepower 1.6-liter HR16DE 4-cylinder engine and scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide this summer at a starting MSRP of $13,990. The Versa Note features Around View® Monitor, NissanConnectSM with Navigation System with Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant and Active Grille Shutter – which helps it deliver expected 40 miles per gallon highway fuel economy with the CVT transmission.


The all-wheel drive Resonance concept features a hybrid electric drivetrain that includes Nissan's proprietary "one-motor, two-clutch" system, which combines a smaller displacement internal combustion gasoline engine with an electric motor/lithium-ion battery and advanced management system.

Volkswagen CrossBlue SUV Concept Electric Diesel

The Volkswagen CrossBlue SUV concept plug-in hybrid has a 305 horsepower powertrain mates a TDI® Clean Diesel engine with two electric motors, a DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission, and an electric all-wheel-drive system. Volkswagen’s manufacturer estimated fuel economy rating is 89 mpge combined in electric mode and 35 mpg as a hybrid. If it goes into production, the CrossBlue, a seven-seat midsize crossover, would slot in above the Tiguan and below the premium Touareg.

Mercedes-Benz 2014 CLA-Class Coming This Fall

The all-new Mercedes-Benz 2014 CLA-Class four-door coupe has Mercedes-Benz’s 208 horsepower 2.0-liter four cylinder gasoline engine mated to a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with the ECO stop/start function. The CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC both include the 5.8-inch display and Bluetooth as standard equipment. The all-new 2014 CLA250 arrives in U.S. dealerships this Fall and the 2014 CLA250 4MATIC all-wheel drive in the Spring of 2014.

Honda Urban SUV Concept Coming To U.S. In 2014

The all-new Honda "Urban SUV Concept" vehicle featuring fuel-efficient Earth Dreams™ Technology and be priced and positioned below the CR-V and is slated to launch in Japan by the end of 2013, followed by the U.S. market in 2014. Part of Honda's Global Compact Series, and utilizing the Honda-original center-tank layout featured on the Fit, the model will include Honda's configurable Magic Seat® setup that can provide a host of passenger and cargo options, including a fold-flat mode for maximum cargo capacity. The all-new model will also feature next-generation telematics and a modern interior.

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.