2014 Kia Sorento Takes The TV Ad Spotlight

 

Kia returns as a Super Bowl advertiser for the fourth straight time to show off the new 2014 Sorento that rides on an all-new platform and suspension system, and offers a new V6 engine and more passenger room as well as a new top-of-the-line trim level called the SX Limited. The 2014 Sorento will be the first Kia vehicle to offer the next generation voice-activated telematics system, UVO eServices. Kia's TV ad, "Space Babies" is scheduled to air in the fourth quarter of next Sundat's Super Bowl. Starting this Friday the ad will be seen on more than 33,000 screens nationwide as part of ScreenVision and National CineMedia’s FirstLook.

In the first spot of the Sorento’s “It has an answer for everything™” campaign, titled “Tight Space,” the father utilizes the power-folding mirrors to park in a tight space and then uses the power liftgate to exit the vehicle which impresses his wife and kids. Click on the link above to see this ad.

Subaru Goes With Dog Tested. Dog Approved Campaign

 
Subaru will air its "Dog Tested. Dog Approved" campaign to resonate with Subaru owners and like-minded consumers. Subaru says its drivers are two times more likely than the average car owner to have a pet. Super Bowl Sunday Feb. 3 and Subaru has unveiled a sneak peak of the new commercials:
    Lint Roller, Tailgate,  Let's Talk Financing,  On the Lot 

Subaru will also launch a new Facebook application packed with treats for dogs and dog lovers:
    Dog Matchmaker:  With the help of Grant Weber, every dog can find their perfect Subaru.  Enter the dogs breed, weight, and lifestyle and the Matchmaker will identify a fitting model for the dog.
    Ask a Dog - Live: Type in a question and Our Subaru Canine Experts will work hard to dig up the results.
    Four-Paw Drivers Club: Let your dog become a four-legged Subaru enthusiast with their own dog driver's license. Upload a photo of your dog to populate a personalized dog driver's license and share with your friends.
    Put Your Dog in a Subaru: Every dog has his or her day. Now you can help them get there faster by putting them behind the wheel of a Subaru. Upload a picture of your furry friend, put them in the driver's seat, and see where the road takes them.

Hyundai Santa Fe Featured In Four Super Bowl TV Ads

This is Hyundai's sixth consecutive year as a Super Bowl advertiser and this year has five game-day ads, including four all-new spots. Two of the new ads are slotted for the pre-game show and two are scheduled to air in-game with the all-new Santa Fe featured in three of the five Super Bowl advertisements. Sonata Turbo and 429-horsepower, 8-speed Genesis R-Spec are featured in the other two spots. The seven passenger, three row Santa Fe with a 290 horsepower 3.3-liter GDI V6 engine debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show two months ago and will hit showrooms soon..

VOTE NOW for Audi's Super Bowl TV Commercial

 Audi is letting you select the Super Bowl spot, featuring all-new 2013 Audi S6. Audi has posted three versions of its Super Bowl spot, each with a different ending, to its YouTube page allowing viewers to choose how they want the spot to end. The final spot will debut on YouTube in advance of the game and on CBS during Super Bowl XLVII in the first break after kickoff. Voting on YouTube will be open for 24 hours, and has started - closing at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time tonight - Friday, January 25.

I voted - make sure you vote at http://www.youtube.com/audiusa

BMW and Toyota To Collaborate On Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

BMW and Toyota signed agreements aimed at long-term collaboration of a fuel cell system, joint development of architecture and components for a sports vehicle, and joint research and development of lightweight technologies. The fuel-cell vehicle system includes a fuel cell stack and system, hydrogen tank, motor and battery, aiming for completion in 2020. BMW and Toyota will collaborate on codes and standards for the hydrogen infrastructure, necessary for the distribution to get the public to buy into it. A mid-size sports vehicle feasibility study to define a joint platform concept, including the development of lightweight technologies, is to be completed by the end of this year. The joint effort will research the development of a lithium-air battery with energy density greatly exceeding that of current lithium-ion batteries.

Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction Flashback: 1990

The first live telecast of the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, was on Financial News Network in January 1990, 23 years ago. It was said to be the highest rated program in the history of FNN which, at the time was in 35 million cabled homes, and, in 1991, was acquired by CNBC. It was certainly a memorable event for me, seeing cars sell for so much, but nowhere near the prices that are fetched today.

There were many notable bidders and collectors that I interviewed during that 3-hour telecast including former Seattle Seahawks owner and Blackhawk real estate developer Ken Behring, L.A. Times Publisher Otis Chandler, former New Yankee Reggie Jackson and cartoon voice Noel Blanc (below), son of Mel Blanc, famous for voicing Bugs Bunny and other Looney Tunes characters.

Later that year, on Labor Day weekend 1990 in Auburn, Indiana, I had the opportunity to broadcast the Auburn Cord Duesenberg collector car auction on FNN. Speedvision which started in 1996 and later became Speed, now telecasts the Barrett-Jackson auctions, including this past week when the 1966 Batmobile sold for $4.6 million. Looking back, not only brings back memories, but shows how time and inflation raises prices, enthusiasm and following.

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.