Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Shares Start Trading On NYSE

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCAU) shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange today, opening at $9 a share and closing down 8 cents at $8.92 on volume of 5,843,576 shares on a day when the Dow fell 223 points.

Test Drive: 2015 Acura RDX Starts At $35,990 - Great Value

It's a great looking vehicle and the drive matched the looks. The 2015 Acura RDX AWD with the technology package starts at $41,090 (MSRP including $895 destination charge) and is the top of four RDX choices - the trim level that I test drove. The front wheel drive RDX starts at $35,990 with a sliding sunroof as standard. AWD adds $1,400 and the technology package $3,700.

The biggest surprise was the 25.3 highway mpg from a 273 horsepower V6 engine with the air conditioning running generously. (286 actual miles on 11.3 gallons) The published highway mpg is 27 and obviously varies with driving behavior. The highway passing power at high speeds was excellent. 

The technology package has a long list of features from a satellite communication system with voice recognition navigation and rearview camera to an amazing premium audio system with 410-watt amplifier feeding 10 speakers. The standard 360-watt amplifier with 7 speakers should be more than sufficient.

My wife always asks "what's the safety ranking?", and the Acura RDX with its side airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags gets top crash worthiness rankings from the Institute For Highway Safety.

The ride fit my taste, not too stiff or truck-like and not too soft that would induce motion sickness. The instrument cluster is intuitive to use without much tutoring needed and ergonomically laid out within reach. The voice recognition proved a little accuracy challenged, had problems getting my numbers correctly. The second row of seats fall easily to expand cargo space, in fact, there are levers in the inside rear on either side for quickly collapsing the seats.

For those wanting to "sit higher above the traffic", my jumbo SUV eye level is about five inches above my RDX sight line, not as significant as I would have thought. Syncing my Blackberry Z10 smartphone to the RDX's handsfree system was quick and easy but must be done while the vehicle is stopped. Steering wheel controls for the radio and information features work well. The back seat roominess was also impressive and with the seats down there's plenty of cargo space.

The new RDX body style and powertrain that was introduced in 2013 still stands out. RDX sales this year through September are at 33,539, down just 1.3 percent compared to the first nine months of last year. The larger, pricier Acura MDX, with sales of 34,803, up 38.8 percent,  might be taking some RDX buyers who prefer a third row option. The best-selling compact SUV Honda CR-V which has sales of 241,015 in nine months this year and getting frequent updates could also be attracting a few RDX shoppers.

An Acura RDX out-the-door for under $40,000 is a great value purchase - you're getting a lot more than just good looks. The Acura RDX is definitely on my buy list.

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Starts at $115,195 By Yearend

The Porsche 911 Carrera GTS second generation models, with a 430 horsepower engine in coupe and cabriolet versions, in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive will fit between the 911 Carrera S and race track tested 911 GT3 bringing the 911 family to nineteen sports cars which range from 350 to 560 horsepower. The 911 Carrera GTS starts at $115,195, while the 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet starts at $127,095. The 911 Carrera 4 GTS will have an MSRP of $121,895 in Coupe and $133,795 in Cabriolet form (including destination charge of $995). The four models will be available at U.S. dealers by the end of 2014. 

The 911 Carrera GTS sprints from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds (Cabriolet: 4.0 seconds) with top track speeds for the GTS models ranging from 187 to 190 miles per hour, depending on drivetrain and transmission. Standard equipment includes Bi-Xenon™ headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System and the Sport exhaust system. The Alcantara® interior features leather-trimmed sport seats with center panels made of made of Alcantara®. Also standard are 20-inch center lock wheels, painted in gloss black.

Orange County International Auto Show - Cars To See This Weekend

Here are a few new vehicles at the Anaheim Convention Center - a stones throw from Disneyland - to see this weekend on display along with a variety of cars you can actually drive - it's the Orange County International Auto Show. 

Mazda MX-5

Nissan Murano

Ford F-150

BMW X4

Dodge Viper

Acura TLX

Lexus NX200t

2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Starts At $120,425 This Month

2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, launching in mid-October, will start at an MSRP of $120,425 (including $925 destination & delivery fee) for the S550 4MATIC Coupe and $161,825 for the S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe. The rear-wheel drive V12-powered S65 AMG Coupe launches in December priced at $231,825.

BMW 2 Series Convertible, BMW X6 World Debut In Paris

The BMW 2 Series Convertible, the four-seater successor to the BMW 1 Series Convertible, has an electrically operated soft-top that can be opened or closed in 20 seconds when travelling at up to 31 mph. The BMW 2 Series Convertible is the first model to offer the new-generation Navigation system Professional, which allows navigation data to be updated “over the air” via the embedded SIM card.

The new edition of the BMW X6, with three BMW TwinPower Turbo engine choices driving the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, has bi-xenon headlights, 19-inch light-alloy wheels, automatic tailgate operation, the eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission, leather trim, two-zone climate control and the Driving Assistant package from BMW ConnectedDrive. Suspension choices include a Dynamic adaptive suspension package, Comfort adaptive suspension package or Professional adaptive suspension package with Dynamic Damper Control, air suspension for the rear axle, Dynamic Performance Control and Dynamic Drive active roll stabilization.

Volkswagen XL Sport Concept

The Volkswagen XL Sport concept, based on the XL1 and powered by the V-Twin adapted from the new Ducati 1199 Superleggera two-cylinder motorcycle, the car can reach an top speed of 168 mph on just 197 horsepower. Torque from the V-Twin engine (99 pound-feet) is transmitted to the rear axle via a seven-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission. From a standing start, the XL Sport takes 5.7 seconds to reach 62 mph.

September 2014 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors dealers delivered 223,437 vehicles in the United States in September. Total deliveries were up 19.4 percent compared with a year ago. Retail deliveries, which are sales to individual consumers, were up 17 percent. Fleet deliveries were up 30 percent. Year-to-date sales are 2,207,888, a 4.3 percent gain over 2013.

Ford Motor Company U.S. sales totaled 180,175 vehicles in September, down 2.7 percent from a year ago. Retail sales of 137,297 vehicles increased 2 percent. Year-to-date sales are 1,884,617, down 0.5 percent.

Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 169,890, a 19 percent increase compared with sales in September 2013 for the group's best September sales since 2005. Year-to-date sales are 1,556,059, up 15 percent from last year.

American Honda reported September 2014 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 118,223, an increase of 12 percent versus September of last year. The Honda division had its best September since 2007 with sales of 104,391 vehicles, while Acura posted sales of 13,832 in the same period.  Year-to-date total American Honda sales reached 1,160,605 vehicles.

Toyota, Scion and Lexus reported total September 2014 sales results of 167,279, a 1.7 percent increase from year-ago month. Toyota division posted September 2014 sales of 145,427, up 0.3 percent and Lexus division sales were 21,852, up 11.9 percent compared to September 2013. Year-to-date Toyota, Scion and Lexus sales are 1,794,788, up 5.7 percent from last year. Toyota brand sales are 1,574,105, a gain of 4.4 percent over 2013 and Lexus sales are 220,683, a rise of 15.7 percent.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for September 2014 of 102,955, an increase of 18.5 percent over the prior year and a September record. Year-to-date sales of 1,063,272 is a 13 percent gain over last year.

Hyundai Motor America announced September sales of 56,010, up 1.6 percent versus the same period in 2013. Year-to-date sales of 557,458 is an increase of 1.7 percent over last year. 

Subaru of America reported sales of 41,517, a 31 percent increase for September 2014 over 2013, resulting in a September sales record. Year-to-date sales of 375,485, was an increase of 20 percent over the same period last year.  Subaru has now seen 34 consecutive months of year-over-year growth and is well on its way to its sixth successive annual sales record.

Kia Motors America September sales of 40,628 was up 6.9 percent over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 445,017 is up 7.1 percent over last year.

Volkswagen of America September sales were 25,996, a drop of 18.6 percent from 2013 while year-to-date sales of 270,874 is a 14 percent decline from last year. Separately, Audi reported September 2014 sales of 14,917 vehicles, an increase of 14.2 percent, the 45th consecutive month of record monthly U.S. sales for the brand. Audi U.S. sales year-to-date sales of 130,983 vehicles is a 14.5 percent rise over 2013.

Mercedes-Benz reported the best September sales in its history with 27,315 vehicles sold, increasing 10.6 percent from September 2013. Sprinter sales totaled 2,208 for the month, combining with 748 sales at smart (up 19.7 percent) to bring total September volumes at Mercedes-Benz USA to 30,271, an increase of 10.2 percent. Year-to-date sales for Mercedes-Benz reached 233,211, up 8.4 percent. Adding volumes of 17,785 for Sprinter and 8,080 for smart, MBUSA achieved a year-to-date grand total of 259,076.

BMW brand September vehicle sales of 25,586 was an increase of compared to September, 2013. Year-to-date, the BMW brand sales are 236,591, up 11.3 percent compared to the first nine months of 2013.

Mazda North American Operations reported September U.S. sales of 23,980 vehicles, representing an increase of 6.7 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales of 240,953 through September are up 9.3 percent versus last year.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. September sales of 4,667, an 11.4 percent increase month-over-month. Year-to-date sales are down 9 percent versus the first nine months of 2013.  

Porsche Cars North America announced September 2014 sales of 3,607 vehicles. So far in 2014, PCNA has delivered 35,366 vehicles in the U.S., an increase of 12.1 percent over the same time period last year.

Maserati North America sales, driven by the new Ghibli and Quattroporte, was 1,367 in September, a 241 percent increase compared to the same month last year and a 300 percent year-over-year increase. 

Sales are updated when manufacturers report.

2015 Honda CR-V Starts At $24,150 Tomorrow

The new 2015 Honda CR-V mid-model cycle refresh includes a new Earth Dreams Technology™ 185 horsepower 2.4-liter direct-injected DOHC i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission and a new suite of Honda Sensing™ such as Forward Collision Warning and Collision Mitigation Braking System™. The 2015 CR-V, that starts at $24,150 (including $830 destination charge), has increased EPA fuel economy ratings of 27 city /34 highway/29 combined MPG for front-wheel-drive models and 26/33/28 mpg for Real Time AWD models, both increasing +4/+3/+3 mpg over 2014 models. There's an updated suspension design with Vehicle Stability Assist™ 15 and Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering.

The CR-V EX adds 7-inch Display Audio, a 10-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, Honda LaneWatch™, Smart Entry/Push-Button Start and LED daytime running lights. A new top-of-the-line Touring trim includes the first Honda application of two advanced driver-assistive technologies, Collision Mitigation Braking System™ and Lane Keeping Assist System, and Adaptive Cruise Control. The new 2015 Honda CR-V launches at Honda dealerships nationwide tomorrow.

McLaren 625C Available Now In Hong Kong

The new McLaren 625C British sportscar (‘C’ stands for ‘Club’) with a 616 horsepower 3.8-liter twin turbo V8 powerplant, joins the McLaren 650S and McLaren P1 in the McLaren line-up, and is regionally tailored aimed at the Asian market launching immediately in Hong Kong, with Coupe and Spider bodystyles. Acceleration from zero to 62 mph takes just 3.1 seconds, reaching 124 mph in 8.8 seconds for the Coupé. Selected other markets across the Asia Pacific region will be announced in the coming months.

Mercedes-AMG C63 Coming In March 2015

The new Mercedes-AMG C63 driven by an all new 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, closely related to the engine in the Mercedes-AMG GT, with 469 horsepower in the C63 and 503 horsepower in the C63 S mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sport transmission will come to the U.S. in March. The C63 S accelerates from zero to 60mph in 3.9 seconds and the C63 in 4.0 with a top speed of 155 mph. Standard equipment on-board the C63 includes enhanced drowsiness warning system ATTENTION ASSIST and COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, which helps to avoid rear-end collisions.

New MINI 5 Door Shown, New MINI 4 Door World Debut Next Week

The MINI 5 door, with an overall length that's 6.3 inches longer than the new standard MINI, provides the three back seats with 2.8 inches more foot space and legroom. The MINI 5 door models with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology will be the MINI Cooper One 5 door with a 102 horsepower 3-cylinder gas engine or the MINI One D 5 door with a 95 horsepower 3-cylinder diesel engine, the MINI Cooper 5 door with a 136 horsepower 3-cylinder gas engine or the D 5 door with a 116 horsepower 3-cylinder diesel engine, the MINI Cooper S 5 door with a 192 horsepower 4-cylinder gas engine or the MINI Cooper D 5 door with a 116 horsepower 3-cylinder diesel engine, and the MINI Cooper SD 5 door with 170 horsepower 4-cylinder diesel engine. All are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with an available optional 6-speed Steptronic transmission except for the MINI One D 5 door and there's a 6-speed Steptronic Sport transmission for the MINI Cooper S 5 door and the MINI Cooper SD 5 door. Not sure how many variants will be offered in the U.S.

Driver assistance systems include: MINI Head-Up-Display, Parking Assistant, rear view camera and Driving Assistant including camera-based active cruise control, collision and pedestrian warning with initial brake function, high beam assistant and road sign detection.

MINI Hardtop 4 door Debuts Next Week
The MINI Hardtop 4 door with its World Premiere in Paris next week, has a wheelbase that has been extended by 2.9 inches making the luggage compartment around 30 percent larger than the 3-door model, with a volume of 13.1 cubic feet. The new MINI Hardtop 4 door will have two new generation engines at the U.S. market launch, with three or four cylinders using MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology and power ranging from 134 to 189 horsepower.

The MINI Superleggera Vision roadster concept is a collaborative hand crafted electric-powered vehicle from British MINI and Italian design and body manufacturing specialist Touring Superleggera.

Infiniti Q80 Inspiration Concept To Debut In Paris Next Week

Infiniti Q80 Inspiration, a top-of-the-line, four-seat fastback concept with a high-performance and efficient hybrid-electric powertrain, measures 198.9 inches on a long wheelbase of 122.2 inches framed by custom 22-inch five-dual-spoke lightweight alloys will be shown at the Paris Auto Show next week. Notice there are no side-door mirrors.

Cadillac To Become Separate GM Unit Headquartered In New York

General Motors Cadillac brand, with operations in more than 40 countries, will become a separate business unit with a new global headquarters opening next year in the heart of New York at a multipurpose brand and event space with modern loft offices. The majority of functions with oversight and responsibility for both global and U.S. operations will be located at the new global headquarters, while there will be no change to technical product development teams located in Michigan or manufacturing and assembly operations. Cadillac management is reviewing options for which specific staffs will be based in New York and which will remain in current locations. Cadillac had 28 percent global growth last year and an increase of about 10 percent so far this year with China sales up 75 percent year to date.

Cadillac's new President Johan de Nysschen, who took over in August, will be responsible for the brand’s overall operational performance. de Nysschen came to Cadillac from Infiniti global headquarters in Hong Kong, where he ran Nissan's luxury brand, and prior to that was President of Audi of America.

2015 Volkswagen Beetle Classic Starting At $21,015 This Week

The limited-edition Volkswagen Beetle Classic model, with the 170 horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, goes on sale this week, starting at $21,015, (including the $820 Destination and Handling charge) for the 1.8T Coupe. The Beetle 1.8T Coupe has an EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating of 33 mpg. The Classic trim features 17-inch “Heritage” aluminum-alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, a leather-wrapped shifter knob and handbrake lever, Sirius XM® Satellite Radio, an RNS® 315 navigation system, a multifunction steering wheel, two-tone brown “Sioux” leatherette and checked cloth seating surfaces, comfort front seats with driver’s side lumbar support. The Beetle Convertible Classic will go on sale early in 2015, starting at $26,815 and gets 32 mpg.

2015 CR-V Goes On Sale October 1st

The 2015 CR-V goes on sale October 1, but complete information on the newest version of the best-selling SUV in America won't be available until September 30th. Through the end of August Honda CR-V sales are 217,293, up 4.6% over 2013. 

Volvo XC90 R-Design With Up To 400 Horsepower

The all-new Volvo XC90 R-Design version, with a choice of Drive-E powertrains offering up to 400 horsepower, joins the Momentum and Inscription trim levels for sale in the U.S. Volvo says the focus is on a sporty and dynamic aura with a different grille, lower front spoiler, window in silk metal, and a R-Design dual tailpipe surround, integrated bright roof rails and mirror covers in matte silver. There are 20-inch or optional 22-inch R-Design alloy wheels. The R-Design gets a tablet-like center console touch screen and a 12.3-inch fully graphical driver display along with all-new in-car control that is virtually button free to access a range of Internet and cloud based products and services.

Driverless Audi A7 Hits California After Nevada, Florida Testing

Look ma, no driver. It's the Audi A7 Traffic Jam Pilot prototype that will hit the streets of California after the state put into place a range of new regulations that govern the testing of automated driving. Audi will be the first company to receive a newly established autonomous driving permit issued by California. Audi has conducted research over tens of thousands of miles in Europe. Audi was the first automotive OEM to receive one of the red autonomous vehicle license plates issues by the State of Nevada and also the first automaker to demonstrate the capability of its automated driving technologies on a Tampa expressway designated as an autonomous and connected car test bed.

Audi, its Electronics Research Lab and Stanford University engineers collaborated on the development of the Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak car, which successfully completed the challenging 12.42-mile route of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race in Colorado in 27 minutes without a human in the car. The research is aimed at preparing a highly automated Piloted driving system for freeway traffic conditions that Audi envisions could be ready for consumer introduction within five years.

2015 Ford Mustang With Three Engine Choices

The new 2015 Ford Mustang, which debuted last December on its own at an awkward time just a few weeks after the Los Angeles Auto Show, offers a choice of a 300-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine, 435-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine, or an all-new 310-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine that uses direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging. A reworked automatic transmission has new steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. The all-new Mustang has a lower, wider stance with a reduction in roof height, wider rear fenders and track, more steeply sloped windshield and rear glass, and, three-dimensional tri-bar taillamps with sequential turn signals. Tech features include Intelligent Access with push-button start to SYNC® and MyKey® plus standard Track Apps™, MyColor® gauges and a new Shaker Pro Audio System. An all-new inflatable airbag restraint design provides the front seat passenger with knee airbag protection.
 

Mercedes-Benz S550 PLUG-IN HYBRID

The new Mercedes-Benz S550 PLUG-IN HYBRID, based on the Mercedes-Benz parallel hybrid modular system, joins the new S-Class with 436 horsepower coming from an engine combination of a V6 biturbo and intelligent hybrid drive that goes from 0 to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds and drives electrically for up to 20 miles. The hybrid transmission is based on the 7-speed automatic transmission with an additional clutch integrated between combustion engine and electric motor. The S550 PLUG-IN HYBRID decouples the combustion engine during purely electric operation and, if the combustion engine is employed, it affords the possibility to move off drawing on the performance of a wet start-up clutch. The clutch then substitutes for the torque converter and requires no additional space owing to its complete integration in the torque converter housing. The high-voltage battery can be charged via external electricity mains using a 3.6 kW on-board charger.