New BMW 6 Series and BMW M6 Go On Sale In Q2 2015

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 6 Series and BMW M6 will make their world debuts at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in the form of the new BMW 6 Series Coupe, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, and the BMW M6 Convertible. The BMW 650i Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe are equipped with a BMW TwinPower Turbo V8 that produces 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque and mated to an 8-speed Steptronic sport automatic transmission, accelerating from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds. The BMW 640i Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe use BMW’s TwinPower Turbo inline six, generating 315 horsepower, 330 lb-ft of torque mated to an 8-speed Steptronic sport automatic transmission, accelerating from 0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds. The M6 Coupe and Gran Coupe using a 4.4-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine which generates 560 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, will accelerate  from 0 to 60 mph in about four seconds (4.3 seconds for the M6 Convertible). The BMW M6 transfers the engine’s power to the rear wheels via either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic. BMW 6 Series vehicles will arrive in US showrooms in the second quarter of 2015.

2016 Kia Sorento Goes On Sale In January

The all-new 2016 Kia Sorento, available in L, LX, EX, SX and SXL trim levels, is 3.1 inch longer with 109.4-inch wheelbase and is slightly wider at 74.4 inches than its predecessor model to help accommodate a third row of seats. The 2016 Sorento offers three engines, including a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder, a 3.3-liter V6 and an improved 185 horsepower 2.4-liter normally aspirated inline-4 engine with new Electronic Intake Continuously Variable Valve Timing. All three engines are mated to an electronically controlled six-speed automatic gearbox featuring Sportmatic® shifting.

The 2016 Sorento has available Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score.  The new UVO system, includes Siri® “Eyes Free”5 and Local Search powered by Google® for finding locations, addresses and points of interest. U.S. sales begin in January 2015. My 2007 Sorento is going strong with over 60,000 miles.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC Coupe with a 362 horsepower biturbo V6 engine that produces 384 lb-ft of torque is mated to a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission and has 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive. The GLE is formerly the M-Class, the SUV in the E-Class segment. The GLE sports coupe offers the DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control system, the Sports Direct-Steer system and the Driving Assistance package which includes DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE® PLUS. The Parking package with 360° camera and Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC guarantees an excellent overview and problem-free maneuvering into and out of parking spaces. The LED Intelligent Light System which is a standard feature on all models and MAGIC VISION CONTROL is the heated, adaptive windscreen wiper system for adverse weather conditions. The GLE Coupe and GLE AMG looks like Mercedes-Benz answer to the BMW X6 and X6 M.

Aston Martin DB10 - The Next James Bond Car - Nov. 6, 2015

James Bond will be driving an Aston Martin DB10, a model developed specifically for the next 007 film, Spectre, due for release on November 6, 2015.

2014 LA Auto Show Video: Audi's Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg

The Audi A7 Sportback h-tron quattro concept is hydrogen fuel cell, plug-in electric hybrid vehicle with a range of 310.7 miles on one tank of fuel with an exhaust emission of a few drops of water. The Audi A7 Sportback h-tron quattro has 170 kilowatts of electric drive power driving two electric motors to drive all four wheels. The 2016 Audi TT also debuted at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at Audi discusses the new TT sports car and the Audi A7 Sportback h-tron quattro concept vehicles.

November 2014 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 225,818 vehicles last month for the company’s best November sales in seven years, up 6 percent compared to a year ago, with Cadillac November sales 13,148, down 18.7 percent.  Year-to-date sales of 2,660,525, is up 4.1 percent over 2013 while Cadillac is a 154,600, a drop of 5.9 percent from a year ago.

Ford Motor Company U.S. sales totaled 187,000 vehicles in November, down 2 percent from a year ago. Lincoln sales of 8,113 vehicles provided a 21 percent gain and the brand’s best November in seven years. Year-to-date sales of 2,260,271, is a 0.7 percent drop from 2013 with Ford at 2,175,487, down 1.2 percent and Lincoln at 84,784, a 15 percent gain from last year.

Toyota, Scion and Lexus reported total November 2014 sales results of 183,346, an increase of 3 percent over November 2013.  Toyota division posted November 2014 sales of 155,874, up 2.3 percent. Lexus reported November sales of 27,472, a 7.3 percent increase year-over-year. Year-to-date sales of 2,158,714 is a 5.6 percent gain over 2013, with Toyota division sales of 1,887,204, up 4.5 percent and Lexus sales of 271,510, a 13.6 percent increase.

Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 170,839, a 20 percent increase compared with sales in November 2013 for its best November sales since 2001. Year-to-date sales of 1,897,378, is up 16 percent over a year ago.

American Honda reported a new November Honda and Acura vehicle sales record of 121,814, an increase of 4.6 percent versus November 2013. The Honda brand set a new November best, recording sales of 106,957 vehicles, an increase of 4.9 percent for the month. The Acura brand posted sales of 14,857 in November, increasing 2.0 percent over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales for both brands of 1,403,591 is up 1 percent with Honda at 1,240,372, up 1.1 percent and Acura at 150,034, an 0.2 percent gain.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for November 2014 of 103,188, a 3.1 percent decline from a year ago. Nissan division November sales  of 91,790 is a 1.7 percent drop and Infiniti sales of 11,398 is a decline of 13.3 percent versus November 2013.  Year-to-date, Nissan has now set a record for most U.S. sales in a year in the company's history with 1,269,577, up 11.5 percent for the year with Nissan Division at 1,164,254, up 12.4 percent and Infiniti at 105,329 through November, a gain of 2 percent.

Hyundai Motor America announced November sales of 53,672, down 4 percent versus the record setting period in 2013. Year-to-date sales of 661,211, a gain of 0.5 percent from last year.

Kia Motors America announced November sales of 44,936, down 1 percent from last November. Year-to-date sales are 534,647, up6.6 percent from 2013.

Volkswagen of America reported 31,725 vehicles delivered in November, a 3.2 percent rise while year-to-date sales of 332,911 is a 10.9 percent decline from 2013. Separately, Audi reported November U.S. sales of 16,640 vehicles, a 22 percent increase and marking the 47th consecutive month of record U.S. sales for the brand. Audi U.S. sales year-to-date of 162,773 is 15.4 percent increase, setting a new annual sales record with one month to go in 2014.

Subaru of America November sales of 45,273 vehicles, a 24 percent increase over November 2013 continued the record-breaking run with the best November in the company’s history. Subaru’s year-to-date sales of 463,770 is up 21 percent from a year ago and surpassing 2013's record year.

Mercedes-Benz reported the highest monthly sales in its history with a best-ever November total of 34,578, up 1.6 percent compared to the same month last year. Sprinter sold 2,532 and smart 815 units to bring total November sales at Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) to a record 37,925. Year-to-date, Mercedes-Benz sales are 296,382, a 6 percent increase over last year, with 22,457 vehicles at Sprinter, up 18.3 percent, and 9,480 at smart, a gain of 12.7 percent, for an MBUSA year-to-date  total of 328,319, a gain of 7 percent vs. 2013.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported November sales of 36,028 vehicles, a decrease of 0.8 percent from the same month a year ago. Sales of BMW brand vehicles decreased 2.3 percent in November for a total of 31,019 compared to November 2013. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 9.7 percent on sales of 298,212. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) is up 4.8 percent on sales of 347,709 in the first eleven months of 2014 compared to the same period of 2013.

Mazda North American Operations  reported November U.S. sales of 21,242 vehicles, representing an increase of 2.4 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through November are 280,993 vehicles sold, up 7.7 percent versus last year.  

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported November sales of 6,534, a 7.6 percent increase over the sales total from November 2013 and the best November in the last seven years. Year-to-date sales of 71,098 is a 27.4 percent increase over last year.

Porsche Cars North America announced November 2014 sales of 4,699 vehicles, up 18.5 percent from a year ago. For the year, PCNA has delivered 43,732 vehicles in the U.S., an increase of 11.9 percent over the same time period in 2013.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 3,623 for the month of November, a drop of 14.4 percent from a year ago. Year-to-date sales are 51,446, down 8.7 percent versus the first eleven months of 2013.

Maserati North America reported its strongest November sales performance with a record 1,235 vehicles sold.

2014 LA Auto Show Video: Scion's Doug Murtha On iM Concept

The Scion iM Concept five-door compact hatchback with a price tag under $20,000 targets youthful customers featuring front and rear bumper overhangs, deep air intakes and fog lights, and 19-inch forged alloy wheels flush with the body while vented rotors with 4-piston front calipers work with the adjustable-height racing suspension. The Scion iM Concept will be coming to dealerships in 2015 with details at the New York International Auto Show in April and closer to launch.

Scion Vice President Doug Murtha discusses the iM and the Scion brand.

2014 LA Auto Show Video: Fiat's Jason Stoicevich On 500X Coming Next Year

The all-new 2016 Fiat 500X, with seating for five, is the latest addition to the FIAT lineup in North America, available with a 160 horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission, or a 180 horsepower 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 engine paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission on all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive models. The Fiat 500X is available with features like Uconnect 6.5 radio with a 6.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen and navigation, Bluetooth streaming audio, Uconnect Access Via Mobile, a 3.5-inch color thin-film transistor cluster display, Keyless Enter-N-Go, and heated front seats and steering wheel. The 2016 Fiat 500X, available in five trim levels: Pop, Easy, Lounge, Trekking and Trekking Plus, will arrive in FIAT studios in North America in the first half of 2015.

Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand for North America, discusses he new 2016 Fiat 500X and the Fiat brand.

2014 LA Auto Show Video: Lexus' Jeff Bracken On NX200, LF-C2 Concept

 
Lexus LF-C2 concept 2+2 roadster which made its global debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show is a vision into the future for Lexus. The brilliant, golden yellow is produced by a multi-layer paint process. The first coat is a primer, followed by silver, a clear coat, then the yellow that reflects off the silver to give the brilliant luster. A final top coat is then applied.


Jeff Bracken, Group Vice President and General Manager of Lexus, Toyota Motor Sales USA luxury division discusses the LF-C2, Lexus NX200 which hits showrooms December 1st and other Lexus vehicles coming to market.

2014 LA Auto Show Video: Cadillac's Andrew Smith On 2016 ATS-V

The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V sedan and coupe (above) have a 455 horsepower 3.6L twin-turbocharged V6 engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Match, no-lift shifting and launch control or a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission featuring launch control and Performance Algorithm Shift for a 0 - 60 mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of more than 185 mph. The ATS-V has 25-percent greater structural stiffness than non-V models, which contributes to more precise handling and more direct steering responsiveness. The ATS-V features a 5.7-inch, three-window instrument panel cluster display incorporating CUE with Bluetooth connectivity with natural voice recognition, text-to-voice that converts incoming text messages to speech and reads them over the audio system speakers, USB, auxiliary and SD memory card ports and OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The Performance Data Recorder is controlled via CUE’s color touch screen and recordings can be reviewed on the screen when the vehicle is parked. 2016 Cadillac ATS-V sedan and coupe production begins in spring 2015.  

Andrew Smith, Executive Director, Global Cadillac Design discusses new ATS-V Sedan and Coupe.

2014 LA Auto Show Video: Mazda's Jim O'Sullivan On New 2016 CX-3

The all-new 2016 Mazda CX-3 (above) compact crossover SUV will be powered by a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine in North America mated to an automatic transmission with either front- or all-wheel-drive. Output details and specifications will be revealed closer to launch in summer 2015.

The 2016 MX-5 Miata (right), with a curb weight approximately 200 pounds lighter than the outgoing model, is also powered by a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine.

Mazda6 and CX-5 receive revised front and rear lights, LED lighting on certain trim levels, Mazda Connect, an electric parking brake and newly designed alloy wheels. Exclusive to Mazda6 is the addition of the edge-lit five-point grille on certain trim levels.

Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations discusses the new introductions.

2014 LA Auto Show Video: Volvo's Thomas Andersson

The 2015 Volvo V60 Cross Country (above), with 2.6 inches more ground clearance compared to the V60, made its world premier and the all-new 2016 Volvo XC90 its North American debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Volvo V60 Cross Country, with All-Wheel Drive and new Cross Country 18” and 19” wheels, will launch in the US and Canada with Volvo’s five-cylinder 250 horsepower gasoline engine coupled to an automatic transmission delivering 23 mpg. The V60 Cross Country comes standard with Hill Descent Control, which controls the car's speed automatically when driving down steep inclines. The driver can control the speed with the brake pedal or the accelerator when Hill Descent Control is activated. Sports seats in black leather with distinctive brown stitching will be available from launch, while two new two-tone leather upholsteries will be offered in early 2015.

Thomas Andersson, Vice President of Global Marketing, Volvo Cars Group discusses the new vehicles and the brand's future.

2014 LA Auto Show Video: MINI's David Duncan

The MINI Hardtop 4 door has room for five with a wheelbase that's 2.9 inches longer than the  MINI Hardtop 2 door and a body that's lengthened by 6.3 inches. A 133 horsepower 3-cylinder engine powers the MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 door and a 188 horsepower 4-cylinder engine is in the MINI Cooper S Hardtop 4 door both mated to a newly developed 6-speed manual and 6-speed Steptronic transmissions.

Introduced to North America at the Los Angeles Auto Show last week, David Duncan, Vice President of MINI of the Americas discusses the vehicle and the brand.

Los Angeles Auto Show Coverage on KNX 1070 NewsRadio

Aired November 20, 2014 LIVE on KNX 1070 NewsRadio.

Lincoln MKX Concept

The Lincoln MKX Concept, first shown in Beijing in April, hints at a global SUV that will become the third of four all-new Lincoln vehicles due by 2016.

2015 Chrysler 300 Arrives Early Next Year

2015 Chrysler 300S

The new 2015 Chrysler 300 has a redesigned fascia with a 300 horsepower Pentastar V-6 engine has a starting price of $32,390 (including $995 destination), the same as its predecessor. In addition to the 300 Limited, new to the 2015 Chrysler 300S ($35,890), 300C ($38,890) and 300C Platinum ($43,390) models is a 363 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. All-new interior design elements include a standard 7-inch full-color driver information display and electronic rotary transmission shifter, plus Chrysler brand’s new three-spoke steering wheel with larger vehicle controls and available die-cast paddle shifters. There are more than 80 available safety and security features, including new for 2015 Full-speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus with Full Stop, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist and 9-1-1 call/Assist Call. Production for the new 2015 Chrysler 300 sedan begins in the fourth quarter of 2014 at the Brampton, Ontario, Assembly Plant in Canada.

2016 Acura ILX Goes On Sale Early Next Year

The 2016 Acura ILX sports sedan gets 50 more horsepower with a new 201 horsepower 2.4-liter 16-valve, direct-injected DOHC i-VTEC engine and 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with torque converter and paddle-controlled Sequential Sport Shift for all models, the same engine and transmission combination that powers the just-launched TLX. New front and rear styling cues include standard Jewel EyeTM LED headlights, front grille and rear LED combination lights, plus a restyled 17-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheel. The new ILX A-SPEC package features a sporty side sill garnish, trunk spoiler, front fog lights and new 18-inch, 10-spoke machined alloy wheels with gloss black insets.

All ILX models can be equipped with the AcuraWatch™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies that includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, a Multi-View Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines, as well as Road Departure Mitigation and an enhanced Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (including Forward Collision Warning) with sensor fusion technology that enables new capabilities including pedestrian sensing. The Acura entry-level ILX goes on sale early next year.

2015 Nissan JUKE On Sale Now Staring At $21,075

The new 2015 Nissan JUKE sport cross, now on sale, features a revised exterior and enhanced standard equipment, plus a new JUKE "Color Studio" personalization program. The JUKE S Xtronic FWD starts at $21,075 (including destination and handling of $825) to the top-of-the-line JUKE NISMO RS Xtronic AWD starting at $30,845.

For 2015, JUKE gets a second-generation version of its 188 horsepower 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) Turbo, 16-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy inline 4-cylinder engine, standard on JUKE S, SV, SL and NISMO models. The JUKE NISMO RS has 215 horsepower for the 6-speed manual transmission-equipped front-wheel drive model. The JUKE NISMO RS AWD with Xtronic transmission is rated at 211 horsepower. On S, SV and SL models, one transmission is offered: Nissan's advanced Xtronic transmission with Manual Mode and new D-step Logic Control while a 6-speed manual is available on NISMO and NISMO RS models. Fuel economy for Xtronic-equipped JUKEs has been increased for 2015 by 1 mpg city and combined for front-wheel drive models to 28/32/30 mpg city/highway/combined and by 1 mpg city, highway and combined for all-wheel drive models, now 26/31/28 mpg respectively.

2015 Nissan Murano Arrives Dec. 5 Starting At $30,445

The all-new 2015 Nissan Murano, in S, SV, SL and Platinum trim levels, in a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive with a standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine connected to an advanced Xtronic transmission starts at $30,445 (including destination and handling of $885) for the Murano S FWD, while the top-of-the-line Murano Platinum AWD is priced at $41,485. Just three option packages are offered: Navigation Package (S), Premium Package (SV) and Tech Package (SL, Premium). The new Murano is scheduled to arrive at Nissan dealers nationwide beginning on December 5, 2014.

BMW i3 - Green Car of the Year Award 2015

The BMW i3 takes Green Car of the Year Award 2015 by Green Car Journal. One year after its launch, the BMW i3 is already the third best-selling all-electric automobile on the market with more than 12,000 sold since November 2013.