Legendary Car Salesman Cal Worthington Dies At 92

Cal Worthington, who drew attention to his zany TV car commercials with his catchy "go see Cal" music jingle and crazy animal antics and daredevil stunts wearing his trademark Cowboy hat, has died at age 92. I've been watching his ads for 25 years in Los Angeles and there's no question that his ads were old school and corny which gave them an authentic nostalgic style but knowing that Cal was the original TV pitchman set him apart drawing respect and appreciation. He was a institution, part of California culture, no doubt inspiring many stereotypical TV car salesmen. A living piece of history has left us with the passing of this car industry legend. 

All-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Will Start At $93,825 Next Month

The all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 with a 455 horsepower V8 engine will have an MSRP of $93,825 (including the $925 destination/delivery charge), $2,100 less than the model it replaces, when it arrives in showrooms in October. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC will cost $96,825 when it launches in November and the 577 horsepower Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive (shown above) is priced at $140,425, more horsepower and a slightly lower price than the outgoing model.

2014 Lexus GX 460 Starts At $49,995 In September

The redesigned 2014 Lexus GX 460 luxury utility vehicle with a 301 horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to a six-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence delivering an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, will cost $49,995 (including $910 delivery, processing and handling fee), nearly nine percent less than the previous year while the Luxury model will have an MSRP of $61,625 when they arrive at dealerships beginning in September.

The 2014 Lexus GX 460 has a new eight-inch touchscreen, backup monitor, HD Radio, Bluetooth audio, automatic phone book transfer, a vehicle information display and complimentary traffic and weather data provided via HD Radio and offers an available Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert which are included on the new GX Luxury model along with Adaptable Air Suspension, Navigation, Intuitive Parking Assist and Advanced Pre Collision with Driver Monitor. Trailer sway control is also added for 2014.

2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet Shown In Frankfurt For Delivery Next Year

The new 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet four-seat convertible is almost 8 inches longer than is predecessor model and is offered with a 140 horsepower 1.4 liter engine paired with a manual six-speed transmission which will get 47 mpg, a 180 horsepower 1.8 liter engine and a 150 horsepower 2.0 TDI engine. A 110 horsepower 1.6 TDI and a 300 horsepower 2.0 TFSI delivering a 33 city/highway mpg are among other engines coming for the car that will have direct injection, turbocharging and a start-stop-system. On average, the three engines offered at market launch have twelve percent better fuel economy than the engines in the previous model. Sales begin this Fall in Germany with first deliveries in the first quarter of 2014.

Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan Concept Could Get Traction In U.S.

The new Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan concept, being shown at the Frankfurt Auto Show, will be up to 19 per cent more fuel-efficient than the previous versions with four turbocharged gas direct-injection engines producing 84,108, 123 and 148 horsepower, respectively. There are two turbodiesel direct-injection engines (TDI) at 108 and 148 horsepower. Except for the 84 horsepower TSI, all of the engines may be mated to an optional automatic dual clutch transmission (DSG). The 108 horsepower 1.6 TDI BlueMotion could achieve as much as 63 miles per gallon. At nearly 171 inches in overall length, this goes against vehicles like Ford Focus, Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra hatchback models so could easily compete well in the United States. The Golf Sportsvan has such features as Blind Spot Monitor with assistant for exiting parking spaces, Front Assist surroundings monitoring system with City Emergency Braking, Driver Alert System, PreCrash Occupant Protection system, Lane Assist lane-keeping system and Park Assist parking assistant. The Golf Sportsvan is destined for the European market next year with a lot of features packed into a compact hatchback.

All-New 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid Gets 50 MPG In The City

The all-new 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid will carry an EPA fuel economy rating of 50 mpg in city driving, when it goes on sale at Honda dealerships nationwide later this year. The 2014 Accord Hybrid's EPA fuel-economy ratings of 50 mpg city / 45 mpg highway / 47 mpg combined, makes its city fuel-economy rating three miles per gallon higher than the closest segment competitor and its calculated driving range of 673 miles is more than 46 miles farther than any vehicle in its segment.

2014 Honda Ridgeline Special Edition Coming In November For $38,335

The 2014 Honda Ridgeline Special Edition model with an all-aluminum, 60-degree, 250 horsepower SOHC 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine joins the Ridgeline lineup in November starting at $38,335 (including $830 destination charge), featurimg 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with black-trimmed spokes, special badging and the black trim package from the Ridgeline Sport (pictured above). The rest of the 2014 Ridgeline lineup, starting with the Ridgeline RT at $30,405, then Ridgeline Sport at $31,550, Ridgeline RTS at $33,210, Ridgeline RTL with leather at $35,985, Ridgeline RTL with leather and Navi at $38,335. The Ridgeline also delivers a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds, a half-ton payload rating and comes with a standard rearview camera.   

Lexus LF-NX Hybrid Drive Compact Crossover Concept

The Lexus LF-NX hybrid drive compact crossover concept in a new brushed metal silver exterior color and sunrise yellow / black leather upholstery is powered by a new variant of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system tuned for SUV performance. The Lexus LF-NX concept debuts in Frankfurt next week.

Jeep Wrangler Polar Edition In Europe First Quarter 2014

The new Jeep Wrangler Polar edition will be available in Europe in the first quarter of 2014, in both two- and four-door versions, powered by a 200 horsepower 2.8 liter turbo diesel or a 284 horsepower 3.6 liter gas engine and features a new front grille with black accents, hard spare tire cover, body-color hardtop, 18” polished gloss black alloy wheels and polar white interior finishes, and a Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential for challenging and demanding driving conditions in any weather. Based on the Jeep Wrangler Sahara model, the all-new Jeep Wrangler Polar comes in hydro blue, billet silver metallic and bright white exterior colors. The new Jeep® Wrangler Polar special-edition model is making its début at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show next week.

Audi Sport Quattro Concept To Be Shown Next Week at Frankfurt

The Audi Sport quattro two-seater concept has a plug-in hybrid drive with a system output of 700 horsepower with the power flowing through a modified eight-speed tiptronic to the quattro powertrain, which features a sport differential on the rear axle producing 94 mpg. The wheelbase is 109.61 inches with an overall length of 181.18 inches. When the V8 and the electric motor work together, the Audi Sport quattro concept accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 189 mph. The Audi Sport quattro concept can cover up to 31 miles on electric power alone.

The Audi Sport quattro concept will be on display next week at the Frankfurt Auto Show which alternates every other year with the Paris Auto Show. It covers a huge area with multiple pavilions and the German manufacturers each have their own building large enough to host entire small market auto shows.

August 2013 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors dealers delivered 275,847 vehicles in the United States in August, up 15 percent compared with a year ago. Retail sales increased 22 percent while fleet sales were down 8 percent. Year-to-date GM sales are 1,930,264, up 9.8 percent vs. 2012. Cadillac was up 38 percent, Buick was up 37 percent, GMC was up 14 percent and Chevrolet was up 10 percent.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported August 2013 sales results of 231,537, an increase of 22.8 percent compared to the year-ago month. Toyota Division posted August 2013 sales of 201,745, 22.8 percent compared to August 2012. Lexus reported August 2013 sales of 29,792, a year-over-year increase of 22.9 percent on a raw volume basis.

Ford Motor Company August U.S. sales of 221,270 was a 12.2 percent gain over last year. Year-to-date sales of 1,708,280 was a 12.8 percent increase over 2012.

American Honda  reported U.S. sales of 166,432, an increase of 26.7 percent compared with a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 1,053,449 represents a year-over-year increase of 11 percent. The Honda Division posted August 2013 sales of 149,381, an increase of 29.1 percent compared with August 2012. Acura Division U.S. August sales of 17,051 was up 9 percent compared with the prior year.

Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 165,552 units, a 12 percent increase compared with sales in August 2012 for the group's best August sales since 2007. For the year, Chrysler sales are 1,213,986, a 10 percent gain over 2012.

Nissan U.S. sales totaled 120,498 to set an August record, an increase of 22.3 percent over last year's total of 98,515. Nissan Division salesrose 24.3 percent in August to a record 108,614. Sales of Infiniti vehicles finished August at 11,884, up 6.5 percent.

Hyundai Motor America announced an all-time August sales record of 66,101, up 8 percent versus the same period in 2012. Year-to-date Hyundai sales of 493,116 is a 2.8 percent gain over last year.

Kia Motors America reported best-ever August sales of 52,025, a 4-percent increase over the same period in 2012.  Year-to-date sales of 378,380 is a 2.2 percent drop from the first 8 months of 2012.

Subaru of America reported the best sales month in company history with 41,061 vehicle sales for the month of August, a 45 percent increase over August 2012.  Year-to-date sales for Subaru total 281,652, 29.3 percent higher than the same period in 2012. Subaru is on track to achieve its fifth-consecutive year of sales increases.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 40,342 in August, a 1.6 percent drop from August 2012 and year-to-date sales of 282,913 is A 1.3 percent decline from last year. Separately, Audi reported August 2013 sales of 14,005 vehicles, a 21.5 percent increase over the previous August record set last year. Audi sales year-to-date increased 14.7 percent to 101,346 vehicles sold.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported August sales of 30,546 vehicles, an increase of 35.4 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) is up 12 percent on sales of 233,326 in the first eight months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.  

Mazda North American Operations reported its best August U.S. sales of 28,106 vehicles in 10 years, representing an increase of 26.4 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through August are up 6.8 percent versus last year, with 198,026 vehicles sold.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported August sales of 27,144, an increase of 15.8 percent from August 2012 including Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart models. Mercedes-Benz brand reached 24,761 for the month, up 20.5 percent from the previous year, while year-to-date sales climbed 13.0 percent to hit a record 190,359. Adding in year-to-date sales of 12,788 for Sprinter Vans and 6,312 units sold at smart brought MBUSA's year-to-date grand total to 209,459 vehicles, its
highest on record.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported August sales of 5,281, an increase of 24.3 percent compared to August 2012. 

Porsche Cars North America announced August 2013 sales of 3,327, an increase of 10 percent over the same month last year and a record August. For the year, Porsche has sold 28,456 cars in the U.S., a 28 percent increase over last year.

Sales will be updated when manufacturers report.

Volvo Concept Coupé Has Gas Plug-in Hybrid Engine

The Volvo Concept Coupé with a gas plug-in hybrid engine points toward the next generation of Volvo models, starting with the forthcoming XC90 in 2014. The powertrain reflects Volvo Cars’ strategy to use electrification to create the most powerful versions in the new four-cylinder Drive-E engine family with a two-liter high-performance Drive-E gasoline engine with a supercharger and turbo. The gas engine is teamed with an electric motor on the rear axle. This gives Volvo Concept Coupé a total output of around 400 horsepower and over 440 lb.-ft. of torque.The Concept Coupé also features elements that echo the design of the Volvo P1800 from the 1960s.

All-New 2014 Toyota Corolla Nears Showrooms Starting At $17,610

The all-new 2014 Toyota Corolla, offers a 132 horsepower 1.8-liter 16-valve DOHC in-line 4 cylinder engine with VVT-i available on the L (above), LE, and S grades and the new LE Eco trim level is equipped with a 140-horsepower Valvematic 1.8-liter engine. The 2014 Corolla, available in L, LE, S, and the new LE Eco grade models for a total of 12 variants, has a starting MSRP of $17,610 (including destination, processing, and handling fee of $810) for the L grade with a new 6-speed manual transmission. The base Corolla L with 4-speed automatic is priced at $18,210 with features that include LED lowbeam headlamps with LED daytime running lights, standard Bluetooth connectivity, driver and front passenger whiplash-injury-lessening seats and eight airbags, including a new drivers knee airbag and passenger seat cushion airbag. 

 
The top-priced Corolla S Plus (above) with 6 speed manual transmission starts at $22,110. The all new Corolla will deliver combined mpg between 31 and 34 depending on model, engine and transmission type. The LE Eco will offer an EPA rating of 42 mpg on the highway. Toyota has a lot riding on this updated version of its Corolla.

2014 Subaru BRZ At $26,390 - Tons of Fun!

The 2014 Subaru BRZ 200-horsepower rear-wheel drive sports car configured with 2+2 seating and a folding rear seat starting at $26,390 (including destination & delivery charge), gets an estimated 25 mpg combined with the 6-speed manual transmission and 28 mpg combined with the 6-speed automatic transmission. The BRZ Limited starts at $28,390 for the manual transmission model which includes all performance features, such as the sport-tuned suspension with front strut brace and TORSEN limited-slip differential. The Subaru BRZ and its Scion FR-S sibling are solid, fun cars that remind me of my days behind the wheel of my 1978 Datsun 280Z. Loved that car and love this one!

Range Rover Hybrids Arrive Early Next Year

The Range Rover Hybrid and Range Rover Sport Hybrid have three driver-selectable modes and combines Land Rover's 3-litre SDV6 diesel engine with a 35kW electric motor integrated with the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.  The hybrid system, including lithium ion battery pack, inverter and electric motor weighs less than 265 pounds. Together, output of the diesel engine and electric motor is 335 horsepower with both models accelerating to 62mph in under seven seconds with a top speed of 135mph. The Range Rover Hybrid and Range Rover Sport Hybrids with an estimated 44.1mpg (combined) will be delivered early next year.

Infiniti Q30 Concept To Debut At Frankfurt Auto Show Sept. 10th

The Infiniti Q30 Concept is "designed for younger customers looking for an alternative to traditional premium compact vehicles and open to convention-challenging approaches", according to Infiniti, who "is confident this merging of the dynamic design and sportiness of a coupe, the roominess of a hatch and the higher stance of a crossover will resonate with these customers." By appearance, the Q30 seems to be following the FX style cue but where are the door handles? Quite a Mary Kay color, too.

New Volkswagen Golf R Launches In Europe In 4th Quarter

The new Volkswagen Golf R sports car with a 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive is powered by a newly designed 296-horsepower TSI® engine, which is 30 horsepower stronger and up to 18 per cent more fuel efficient than the engine in the previous model and mated to a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Golf R reaches 62 mph from rest in 5.3 seconds. The Golf R launches in Europe in the fourth quarter of this year to join the new Golf GTI, Golf GTD, Golf Variant, and Golf TDI BlueMotion which also debuted this year.

2015 Audi A8 and S8 Arrive in German Showrooms In November

The 2015 Audi A8 will hit the German market with two gas and two diesel engines when it arrives at German dealerships in November. The 310 horsepower supercharged 3.0 TFSI, the 435 horsepower V8 twin-turbo 4.0 TFSI with cylinder deactivation, 258 horsepower 3.0 TDI clean diesel which gets about 40 mpg and the 385 horsepower 4.2 TDI clean diesel all mated to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission. While the A8 demesions remain the same, the A8 L gains an additional 5.12 inches in both length and wheelbase. In the German market, LED headlights are standard in all models with a V8 engine.

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The 2015 Audi S8 has a 520 horsepower 4.0 TFSI engine that accelerates the S8 from 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds with average fuel consumption of 23.29 mpg. The Audi A8 hybrid combines a 2.0 TFSI and electric motor to produce a system output of 245 horsepower with power going to the front wheels via a modified tiptronic. The lithium-ion battery in the rear enables purely electric driving at up to 62.14 mph with a range of roughly 1.86 miles. The A8 hybrid gets about 37.34 mpg.

2014 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew, More Choices For Pickup Shoppers

The 2014 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew, positioned between the XL and XLT models, comes standard with a 302-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine, delivering an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. A 5.0-liter V8 rated at 360 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque is also available. MSRP for the STX SuperCrew starts at $34,240 (including $1,095 destination charges) for the 4x2 version with 3.7-liter V6 and $38,665 for the 4x4 with 5.0-liter V8. Current available discounts reduce the final price of the STX Sport Package, and F-150 Equipment Group 201A featuring the Trailer Tow Package, SYNC® voice-activated controls and SiriusXM Satellite Radio, to $980.

2014 Chevy Malibu With Start/Stop Gets 36 MPG For $22,965 This Fall

The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu LS with the base 196 horsepower 2.5L engine including stop/start technology as standard and mated to a new six-speed transmission will get an EPA-estimated 25 city and 36 highway mpg, a 14 percent improvement in city fuel economy, at a starting price of $22,965 (including the $825 destination charge). The 2.5L engine base powertrain starts at $24,335 for the 1LT, $26,040 for the 2LT and $28,515 for the top LTZ trim. There's also an available 259 horsepower 2.0L turbo engine. Stop/start technology automatically shuts off the engine when the car comes to a stop and automatically restarts when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake. During engine restarts, an auxiliary 12-volt battery powers electric accessories. The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu will be arriving in dealerships this Fall.