2015 VW Golf, VW GTI To Make U.S. Debut In New York

The 2015 VW Golf and VW GTI will make their U.S. debut at the New York International Auto Show.

All-New Range Rover Sport To Debut In New York

 
The all-new Range Rover Sport will make its global premiere on the eve of the 2013 New York Auto Show in two weeks on March 26th with full details. It follows the launch of the Range Rover Evoque in 2011 and the all-new Range Rover in 2012.

2014 Infiniti QX60 Gasoline Electric Hybrid Coming This Summer

The 2014 Infiniti QX60 gasoline electric hybrid model powered by a 2.5-liter supercharged engine and 15 kW electric motor with an estimated 250 horsepower will hit showrooms this summer joining the Q70 Hybrid (currently available as the M Hybrid) and previously announced Q50 Hybrid from Infiniti. The new Infiniti QX60 was launched in early 2012 as the Infiniti JX35 and the hybrid is projected to be priced about $3,000 above the non-hybrid models. The QX60 Hybrid's Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid® system uses a compact Lithium-ion battery and electric motor to provide supplementary power through its one-motor/two-clutch system. The new Infiniti QX60 Hybrid is projected to get 26 miles per gallon.

Ferrari LaFerrari Hybrid Has Over 960 Horsepower

 
Ferrari's LaFerrari with hybrid technology has an 800 horsepower 6.2 liter V12 engine and an electric motor that adds a further 163 horsepower for a total of over 960 horsepower. Ferrari says that the HY-KERS system makes LaFerrari the most high performance and efficient Ferrari ever built. Utilizing Ferrari’s Formula One racing expertise with KERS systems which has been further developed for application to road cars, the HY-KERS guarantees maximum integration between the V12 and the electric motor. The high levels of torque at low revs from the electric motor allowed the engineers to optimize the internal combustion engine’s performance at higher revs. Check out the LaFerrari website. Tutto bene!

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

 
The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible will deliver an estimated 450 horsepower from its LT1 6.2 liter V-8 direct injection engine with Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing that is expected to beat the current model in fuel economy. The Corvette Stingray convertible features an all-new, fully electronic top that can be lowered remotely using the key fob and go up or down at speeds up to 30 miles per hour. Nice wheels!

New Nissan LEAF Debuts In Geneva

The Nissan LEAF is the world's best-selling electric vehicle with 50,000 sold and now has a new look in its global debut at the Geneva Auto Show this week. The LEAF has an improved range of 199km (123.6 miles) from 175km (108.7 miles) and a charging time that's cut in half. Built in Europe and re-engineered for European buyers, the LEAF has received more than 100 updates. By moving the charger from the rear of the LEAF to under the hood the luggage area is increased by as much as 40 liters (2441 cubic inches). With multiple manufacturing locations, LEAF sales could jump into high gear.

Rolls-Royce Wraith Priced For Europe At $319,000 In Late 2013

The most powerful Rolls-Royce ever, the Wraith, with a 624 horsepower V12 engine mated to 8-speed automatic ZF transmission and a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds will be delivered in the final quarter of this year priced at €245k or about $319,105 US. Confirmation and further pricing details in all markets will be revealed later in the year.

Features include Satellite Aided Transmission that uses GPS data to see beyond what the driver sees to anticipate his next move based on location and current driving style, then selects the most appropriate gear for the terrain ahead. Also featured, voice activated connectivity with the ‘on-board valet’.  The Rolls Royce Wraith has soft Phantom-grade leathers and expanses of wood called Canadel Panelling. It sounds like the Rolls Royce of Rolls Royces debuting in Geneva this week.

2014 Porsche 911 GT3 From $131,350 Later This Year

The new 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 with a 475 horsepower 3.8-liter boxer engine matched to a dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and active rear wheel steering is the completely-redeveloped fifth generation 911 GT3 which will go on sale in the United States later this year from $131,350 (including a $950 destination charge). At full acceleration from standstill, the 60 mph mark is reached after just 3.3 seconds, and on the track 124 mph is reached in less than twelve seconds. The 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 is making its debut this week at the Geneva Auto Show.

February 2013 U.S. Vehicle Sales

General Motors sold 224,314 vehicles in the United States in February, up 7 percent compared with a year ago. Year-to-date sales are 419,013, up 11.1 percent.

Ford Motor Company's U.S. February sales grew 9 percent with 195,822 vehicles sold, Ford's best February sales in six years. Year-to-date sales are 362,323, a 14.7 percent increase.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported February 2013 sales results of 166,377, an increase of 4.3 percent over the year-ago month.  Toyota Division posted February total sales of 149,038, up 4.4 percent over February 2012. Lexus Division reported February total sales of 17,339, up 3.9 percent by raw volume, compared to the same period last year.  Year-to-date sales of 324,102 is a 14.1 percent increase over the first two months of last year.

Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 139,015, a 4 percent increase compared with sales in February 2012 and the best February since 2008. Year-to-date sales of 256,746, is a 9 percent increase over 2012.

American Honda reported February 2013 U.S. sales of 107,987, a decrease of only 2.0 percent compared with February 2012. The Honda brand posted February 2013 sales of 96,623, a decrease of 2.3 percent compared with February 2012. Acura U.S. February sales of 11,364 increased 0.9 percent compared with February 2012.

Nissan North America reported February U.S. sales of 99,636, down 6.6 percent from last year's record-setting February. Nissan Division sales in February totaled 90,489, down 7.2 percent from the prior year, which also set a February record. Infiniti deliveries totaled 9,147, down 1 percent from last February. Total year-to-date sales for 2013 of 180,555 is a 3 percent decrease from 2012.

Hyundai Motor America announced an all-time February sales record of 52,311, up two percent over last year's all-time record February and up a similar amount for the year with 2013 sales of 96,024.

Kia Motors America reported February sales of 41,505, a 7.8 percent drop from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 77,807, is a 3.8 percent decline from the first two months of last year.

Subaru of America reported 28,163 vehicle sales for February 2013, which represents an 11 percent increase over February 2012 and the best ever February in company history. Year-to-date sales for Subaru total 55,826, a 15.9 percent increase over the same period in 2012.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 31,456, a 2.9 percent increase over prior year sales and the best February since 1973. Year-to-date sales are 60,474, a 4.7 percent gain over 2012. Separately, Audi reported February sales of 10,877 vehicles, making it the strongest start to a year in the brand’s history. Sales for the month rose 27.5 percent from a year earlier, with January-February year-to-date sales up 17.2 percent to a record 20,993 vehicles delivered to customers.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported February sales of 25,613 vehicles, a decrease of 2.2 percent from the 26,184 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago.

Mazda North American Operations reported February U.S. sales of 24,936 vehicles, representing a decrease of 2.8 percent versus last year, its second-best February since 1994.  Year-to-date sales of 46,255 through February are down 6.8 percent versus last year.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported sales of 24,051, a 22.2 percent increase over February 2012 making it the highest volume on record for the month. The Mercedes-Benz model line alone achieved its highest February numbers with sales of 22,040, up 21.9 percent. On a year-to-date basis, the 48,110 vehicles sold represent a 16.2 percent increase.

Porsche Cars North America announced February sales of 2,805 vehicles, an increase of 31 percent. For the year so far, PCNA ha s delivered 6,163 vehicles, also an increase of 31 percent over last year.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported sales of 6,051, an increase of 27.8 percent over February 2012.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Consumer Reports Top Brands And Top Picks in April Issue

All Lexus' models are Recommended by Consumer Reports putting Lexus atop the Car Brand Report Cards for 2013 published in the April issue and available online at ConsumerReports.org. Lexus overall score was 79 followed by Subaru and Mazda tied at 76 with Toyota and Acura next with a score of 74. Overall, eight of the top 10 scores were earned by Japanese brands. Audi was ranked 8th and Mercedes-Benz 10th.


Individual vehicle category picks in Consumer Reports:

Midsized sedan: Honda Accord
Sports cars: Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ
Budget car: Hyundai Elantra
Green car: Toyota Prius
Compact car: Subaru Impreza
Luxury car: Audi A6
Small SUV: Honda CR-V
Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander
Sports sedan: BMW 328i
Minivan: Honda Odyssey

Consumer Reports is the world's largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually.

Check out Consumer Reports' April issue and online at ConsumerReports.org

Alfa Romeo 4C Headed For Fiat Dealers This Year

 
The Alfa Romeo 4C mid-engined rear-wheel drive 2-seater coupe, to be officially launched in Geneva next week, is being touted as the ‘compact supercar’. It's also expected to be sold through Fiat dealers in the U.S. this year marking the return of the brand to this continent. 

Designed by Alfa Romeo and produced in the Maserati plant in Modena, it's an Italian style sports car powered by a new 1.75 liter turbo-charged gas engine with direct injection mated to the “Alfa TCT” twin dry clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA shifter with a new Race mode. The Alfa Romeo 4C is 156 inches long on a 93.6 inch wheelbase which is a few inches shorter than the Mazda MX-5 Miata and more than 10 inches shorter than the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. The Alfa Romeo 4C is more than two feet shorter than the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

We will know more about the Alfa Romeo 4C after its world premiere at the Geneva Auto Show next week.

General Motors Hires Tim Mahoney From VW

Tim Mahoney will be General Motors Chief Marketing Officer Global Chevrolet and Global GM Marketing Operations Leader, effective April 1st. Mahoney joins Chevrolet from Volkswagen, where he has been Chief Product and Marketing Officer since 2011. Prior to that Mahoney was at Subaru of America and Porsche Cars North America. He will report to Alan Batey, GM Vice President, U.S. Sales and Service, and interim GM Global Chief Marketing Officer.

In his new role, Mahoney will be responsible to execute Chevrolet’s new brand platform, Find New Roads, and for overall coordination of GM’s global marketing operations. Congratulations Tim!

Ford Fusion Energi Hits California Carpool Lanes This Winter

The all-new Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid has been approved for use in California’s high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes or carpool lanes as most of us call them. Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid gets an EPA-estimated gas plus electric range of 620 miles, electric-only range of up to 21 miles, and EPA-estimated rating of 108 MPGe city, 92 MPGe highway and 100 MPGe combined.

OK, so the first 21 miles of my 130 mile drive from Los Angeles to Palm Springs is electric and the remaining 109 miles is gas and the good news if I'm by myself I get to take the carpool lane unless of course there's an accident that slows all the lanes. So what do those 109 miles cost me? A little over a gallon (92 MPGe highway)? And while I'm in gas mode does the battery recharge off the motor and kick in for more electric miles later in the commute? I'd like to do test this a few times just to be certain.

Ford Fusion Energi hits showrooms later this winter as Ford’s fifth new electrified vehicle to launch in the last 12 months and joins the Ford Focus Electric and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid that are eligible for buyers to receive a $1,500 tax rebate in addition to a $3,750 federal tax credit. Vehicles must qualify for tax rebates through California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, which is overseen by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). A vehicle that qualifies earns a special sticker that identifies it as having HOV privileges. To qualify for the programs, a vehicle must be classified by CARB as a super ultra-low emission vehicle and be certified by the U.S. EPA to offer fuel economy of at least 45 mpg on the highway.

2014 Jeep Cherokee Will Arrive in Third Quarter

The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee mid-size SUV will debut in March at the New York International Auto Show and arrive in showrooms in the third quarter of this year. 

Hyundai Is Exclusive Oscar Telecast Auto Sponsor

Hyundai has nine TV commercials that will air on Academy Awards night Sunday on ABC as the exclusive automotive sponsor of the Oscars broadcast for the fifth consecutive year. Seven 30-second spots will run during the ceremony and two 30-second ads during pre-show coverage featuring seven different Hyundai models and focusing on Hyundai's growing premium line up. Three new spots voiced by Jeff Bridges are: "Equus the Trailer" looks at Hyundai's highest level luxury vehicle, "Paparazzi" highlights the Genesis and "Elevator Pitch" features amenities on the Elantra. The remaining 30-second spots highlight Sonata Hybrid, Sonata Turbo, Santa Fe and Azera.

Lexus Leads 2013 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study

Which 2010 model cars are the most dependable according to their owners after three years of ownership? The Lexus RX, with the fewest reported problems in the industry at just 57 PP100, led Toyota which captured seven model categories that also included the Lexus ES 350, Scion xB, Scion xD, Toyota Prius, Toyota Sienna and Toyota RAV4. This is the first time in the history of the study that a crossover or SUV has topped the list.

General Motors came through with four segment awards for the Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Sierra HD. Honda had two model-level awards for the Acura RDX and Honda Crosstour. The Audi A6, Ford Ranger, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Nissan Z also receive segment awards. This could be valuable information if you're looking to buy a used car, maybe one that's coming off a three year lease. Obviously mileage and vehicle condition are other factors to consider.

Lexus ranks highest in vehicle dependability among all nameplates for a second consecutive year. Rounding out the five highest-ranked nameplates are Porsche, Lincoln, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz (see above). Chrysler's Ram brand posts the greatest year-over-year improvement from 2012 by 52 PP100. In 2013, overall vehicle dependability averages 126 PP100, a five percent improvement from the 2012 average of 132 PP100 making it the lowest problem count since the inception of the study in 1989.

The 2013 Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from more than 37,000 original owners of 2010 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. The study was fielded between October and December 2012.
Source: J.D. Power & Associates

2013 Nissan JUKE NISMO and 2014 Nissan 370Z NISMO

 
NISMO, Nissan's performance arm is introducing the 2013 JUKE NISMO and the 2014 370Z NISMO. The 2014 370Z NISMO, which goes on sale this summer, features a number of exterior and interior enhancements that follow the global NISMO red-accented design theme. It is powered by an advanced 350-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine.

The 2013 JUKE NISMO model features nearly 100 individual revised components, including a NISMO-tuned 197-horsepower 1.6-liter DIG turbo engine, NISMO-tuned suspension, bold aerodynamic styling with a 37 percent improvement in downforce (versus non-NISMO models), NISMO interior with deeply bolstered front seats and red accents and lightweight 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Kia Forte 5-Door SX and Kia Cross GT Concept

 
The all-new Forte 5-door SX hatchback with an all-new 201 horsepower 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters is expected to go on sale in the third quarter of this year, and pricing will be announced closer to launch. The Forte EX base model has a 173 horsepower 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine with 16-inch alloy wheels, UVO eServices with rear camera display, Bluetooth wireless technology, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise control buttons, FlexSteer tilt and telescoping steering column, power windows, and LED positioning headlights with fog lights.

The Kia Cross GT concept reveals Kia’s intentions to potentially offer a larger premium CUV than the current Sorento with a wheelbase that is longer than the Sorento’s by 15.7 inches and an overall length of 192.8 inches that is 8.4 inches more than Sorento. The concept powertrain is Kia’s proven hybrid technology using a 3.8-liter V6 hybrid, 8-speed automatic and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive with a pancake-shaped electric motor sandwiched between the V6 and transmission delivering 400 horsepower, with an all-electric range of 20-miles.  

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel At $25,695 This Summer

The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel with a 148 horsepower 2.0L turbo-diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission is coming this summer with a starting price at $25,695 (including a $810 destination charge). Based on GM testing, the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel gets an estimated 42 mpg on the highway. Other standard features include Chevrolet’s infotainment system MyLink, a two-year maintenance plan, and a five-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Currently, the high end gas-powered Cruze LTZ starts at $24,345 (including $795 destination charge) with a 138 horsepower turbo 1.4 liter engine that gets 38 mpg on the highway.

Volkswagen Announces Limited Editions Beetles And GTI

The 2014 Beetle GSR (Gelb Schwarzer Renner or “Yellow Black Racer”) in yellow and black, like its 1970s predecessor, the GSR debuts a 210 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder TSI® engine that will be fitted to the Jetta GLI and Beetle Turbo during the 2013 model year. Just like its predecessor, only 3500 GSR models will be made and more than half of those will be sold in the U.S. The GSR is based on the Beetle Turbo with Sunroof and Sound model so it comes equipped with the Fender® Premium Audio System; a panoramic sunroof; Keyless access with push-button start; Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs; LED license-plate lighting; heatable front seats; Bluetooth® connectivity; a Media Device Interface (MDI) with iPod® cable; three-color ambient lighting; aluminum-alloy pedals; and three auxiliary instruments that include a clock with a stopwatch function and a boost gauge. The Volkswagen Beetle GSR will go on sale in the fall as a 2014 model; pricing will be announced closer to launch.

The Beetle R-Line, with the Beetle Turbo’s sport-tuned suspension, will be added to the Volkswagen line-up for model year 2014 with performance-inspired exterior and interior treatments like 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on lower-profile all-season tires.

The GTI Wolfsburg Edition and GTI Driver’s Edition will be offered in limited quantities for the final model year of the sixth-generation hot-hatch. The first to go on sale is the GTI Wolfsburg Edition, which will be in dealerships during the first quarter starting at $25,095 for a six-speed manual transmission version or $26,195 when equipped with a six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission. There will be a total of 2000 Wolfsburg Edition models. The GTI Driver’s Edition arrives early in the second quarter of 2013 is the GTI Driver’s Edition with the GTI Sunroof and Navigation package and adds the 18-inch aluminum-alloy Laguna wheels, a golf ball shifter knob, red-stitched carpeted floormats, and partial leather seat coverings. Just 3000 units will be sold in the U.S., priced from $29,695 with the manual transmission and from $30,795 for the version with the six-speed DSG transmission.