2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Available This Year

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle with a 9.8 kWh lithium polymer battery pack, roughly five times larger than the Sonata Hybrid’s battery, is expected to give Sonata Plug-in Hybrid an all-electric range of up to 22 miles and can recharge in as little as two and a half hours with a Level 2 charger. Sonata PHEV’s Nu engine produces 154 horsepower and 140 lb. ft. of torque and the total system output is 202 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Sonata Plug-in Hybrid uses a six-speed automatic transmission with Hyundai’s Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device, a 50 kW electric motor, in place of a torque converter. The 50 kW electric motor is 32 percent more powerful than the motor used the in regular Sonata Hybrid and allows EV operation at higher speeds. A 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder GDI engine coupled with the electric motor allows the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid to operate just like the Sonata Hybrid once the onboard battery charge is depleted.

Sonata PHEV is expected to deliver 93 MPGe combined in EV mode based on internal estimates. In charge sustaining mode, the Sonata PHEV is expected to return 38 mpg in the city, 43 mpg on the highway and 40 mpg combined based on internal testing. The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid will be available in California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont in 2015.

2016 Lincoln MKX Coming This Fall

All-new 2016 Lincoln MKX, with upgrades to body structure and a redesigned interior, now has an available 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged Ti-VCT EcoBoost V6 engine projected to deliver more than 330 horsepower and more than 370 lb.-ft. of torque, based on preliminary test data. The standard engine is a 3.7-liter V6 engine, projected to deliver 300 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, based on preliminary test data. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with push-button shift and SelectShift®. Front-wheel drive is standard, with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive optional. Available technologies include a 360-degree camera that shows up to 7 feet all around the vehicle and an ultrasonic sensing system with 12 sensors enabling the full range of available parking-assist features. The Auto Hold feature relieves the driver from having to press the brake pedal continuously to keep the vehicle stationary in traffic. Auto Hold releases the brakes when the accelerator pedal is pressed. The all-new Lincoln MKX goes on sale first in the United States this Fall.

Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC Launches This Fall

The new Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC, the entry AMG based on the most powerful C-Class model, the C400 4MATIC, combines a 362 horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine mated to a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with a permanent Performance all-wheel-drive system and suspension technology adopted from the Mercedes-AMG C63. Drive modes are "Eco", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport Plus" and "Individual". The new C450 AMG 4MATIC with a zero to 60 mph of 4.9 seconds, launches in the U.S. market in this Fall.

Mercedes-Benz C350 PLUG-IN HYBRID Coming This Fall

Mercedes-Benz C350 PLUG-IN HYBRID with a range of 20 miles in purely electric mode, has a four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor producing a total system output of 275 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid module of the standard 7-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC PLUS incorporates both the electric motor and an additional clutch between the combustion engine and the electric motor. The electrical energy storage unit is a high-voltage lithium- ion battery with a total capacity of 6.2 kWh. The standard AIRMATIC air suspension and Pre-Entry Climate Control system can be controlled via the internet. The C350 PLUG-IN HYBRID can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, can reach a top speed of 130 mph and will be available in U.S. dealerships in the Fall.

Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupe 4MATIC

The new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe 4MATIC has a 577 horsepower 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission which features a dual-turbine torsional damper with speed-sensitive centrifugal pendulum, which minimizes vibrations. The GLE 63 S Coupe accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds. The high-performance SUV coupe comes with the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with active roll stabilization ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM and the Sports Direct-Steer system. There are five transmission modes of “Slippery”, “Individual”, “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport Plus”. The GLE 63 Coupe will go up against the BMW X6 M.

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Coming Soon

The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, powered by the same all-aluminium, 240 horsepower 1750 TBi engine as the Coupé with a top speed of 160 MPH and a 0-to-60 MPH time estimated at 4.1-seconds, is built on a unilateral carbon fiber windscreen frame that is adhered and bolted to the ultra-lightweight monocoque chassis. For the North American market, the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is designed with stiffer springs, larger front- and rear-anti-rollbars, and re-tuned shock absorbers. The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider will be produced at the Maserati plant in Modena, Italy.

Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS and Cayenne Turbo S Arrive Mid-April

The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS with 430 horsepower with all-wheel drive and a fully automatic Targa top. The Targa 4 GTS reaches a top track speed of over 186 mph, with 4.1 seconds from zero to 60 mph when equipped with the PDK transmission. The U.S. launch will be in late-April for an MSRP of $133,795 (incluing a destination charge of $995).

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, the top level of this model, has a  re-engineered 570 horsepower 4.8-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, 20 hp more than the previous model, and accelerates from zero to 60mph in 3.8 seconds, 0.4 seconds faster than the previous model. Its top track speed is now 176 mph. The active all-wheel drive system Porsche Traction Management permanently drives the rear wheels while offering highly variable power distribution to the front wheels. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S will be launched in the United States in late-April for an MSRP of $158,295 (incluing a destination charge of $995).

Acura NSX Produced In Ohio For Late 2015 Delivery

The next generation all-aluminum Acura NSX mid-engine sports hybrid supercar has a twin-turbocharged 75-degree DOHC V6 engine with a 9-speed dual clutch transmission and three-electric motor Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All Wheel Drive system. The rear direct-drive electric motor, housed between the engine and transmission, supports acceleration, braking and transmission shifting performance. The NSX's front wheels are driven by twin independent high-output electric motors which deliver instantaneous torque response and dynamic left-to-right torque distribution. Acura will produce the new NSX in Marysville, Ohio, and begin accepting custom orders starting in the summer, with customer deliveries expected later in the year.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept With 200 Mile Plus Range

Chevrolet Bolt EV all-electric concept vehicle is designed to offer more than 200 miles of range starting around $30,000 leveraging the electrification established by the Volt and Spark EV. Bolt is taking aim at the successful Nissan Leaf.

All-New 2016 Chevrolet Volt On Sale Second Half Of 2015

The all-new 2016 Chevrolet Volt electric car with extended range, now has 50 miles of EV range, and a new, propulsion system that will offer a General Motors’-estimated total driving range of more than 400 miles and with regular charging more than 1,000 miles on average between gas fill-ups. The new two-motor drive unit is up to 12 percent more efficient and 100 pounds lighter than the first-generation drive unit enabling 19 percent stronger zero-to-30 mph acceleration. Battery capacity has increased to 18.4 kWh using 192 cells (96 fewer than current generation) with weight reduced by more than 20 pounds. The new 1.5L range extender, designed to use regular unleaded fuel, offers a combined GM-estimated fuel efficiency of 41 mpg.  The new Volt also boasts a stronger body structure,  quieter ride and new braking system with improved capability, and new five-passenger seating with available rear heated seats. The 2016 Volt goes on sale in the second half of 2015.

Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE Concept Shows Off New Design

Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE concept with an overall length of 190.8 inches is a five-seater design language preview to a a seven-seater mid-size SUV that VW will start producing at the end of 2016 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The new five-seater plug-in hybrid concept uses a V6 plug-in hybrid drivetrain, with 276-horsepower 3.6 VR6® FSI engine, two electric motors (54 and 114 hp) and all-wheel drive bring the total output of the drive system to 355 horsepower and 280 lb-ft, enough to power the Cross Coupe GTE onto a top speed of 130 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.0 seconds.

Jaguar XE Sedan Comes To North America Next Year

The all-new Jaguar XE sedan, sitting below the XF and XJ models in the line-up, with a supercharged 340 horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shift controls accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. The aluminum-intensive XE is the first model developed from the new JLR modular vehicle architecture and has electric power steering. The Jaguar XE will be equipped with All Surface Progress Control functioning between 2 mph and 19 mph, to control the brake system and powertrain to deliver optimum traction in slippery conditions. The all-new Jaguar XE sedan goes on sale in 2015 in global markets and in 2016 in North America.

2016 Buick Cascada Coming Early Next Year

The 2016 Buick Cascada 2+2 configuration convertible on a 106.1-inch wheelbase with a 200 horsepower direct injection, variable valve timing 1.6L turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission goes on sale in early 2016. The insulated soft-top system opens in 17 seconds at up to 31 mph using an electro-hydraulic power roof system that features multi-layer construction including acoustic and thermal barriers.

All-New Nissan TITAN Pickup Coming Late This Year

The all-new Nissan TITAN full-size pickup, powered by a new 310 horsepower Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel delivering 555 lb-ft of torque, The 2016 TITAN XD will offer an available maximum towing capacity of more than 12,000 pounds (when properly equipped), along with available integrated gooseneck hitch engineered into the frame. The new TITAN XD Crew Cab is the first of three cab configurations, two frame sizes, three powertrain offerings and five grade levels to be available later in the Nissan TITAN lineup. Additional available features include RearView Monitor with Trailer Guides, Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection and a Trailer Light Check system that allows one-person hook-up operation including checking turn signals, brake lights and running/clearance lights from outside the vehicle. Also available are Blind Spot Warning and a Front and Rear Sonar System and front and rear NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats and a large center console designed to serve as a mobile workstation. It is projected to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in late 2015.

All-New Ford GT Goes Into Production Next Year

All-new Ford GT rear-wheel drive, mid-engine supercar with a new 600 horsepower-plus twin-turbocharged Ford EcoBoost V6 is made of lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum and goes into production in 2016. The GT is one of more than 12 new Ford Performance vehicles coming by 2020 and joins Focus RS, F-150 Raptor, Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R in the Ford Performance lineup.

Bentley Has Record Breaking Sales In 2014

Bentley delivered a record breaking 11,020 cars in 2014, a 9 percent increase on 2013's record year. The Americas region led the way with 29 percent of total global deliveries at 3,186 cars up from the 2013 number of 3,140. China closes the gap as the second largest customer region with 2,670 cars delivered in 2014 versus the previous year of 2,191. European deliveries of 1,539 cars was a 4 percent gain over 2013. Bentley’s home market, the UK, delivered 1,387 cars, up from 1,381 cars in 2013. Overall, 87 percent of Bentley’s cars are exported from England to customers around the world.

Middle East record sales of 1,263 cars was up 7 percent and Asia Pacific record deliveries of 669 cars was a 48 percent jump from the previous year driven by success of the two-door Continental GT model line. Japan sales were 306 cars, up 5 percent over 2013.      

The Continental GT V8 S and GT Speed coupe and convertible and Flying Spur V8 all entered the market in 2014 to help boost sales.

2016 Toyota Tacoma Pickup Truck Coming Soon

2016 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck will be unveiled in Detroit next week.

Mercedes-Benz Moving U.S. Headquarters From Montvale To Atlanta

Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion

Mercedes-Benz USA will relocate from its primary corporate headquarters in Montvale, New Jersey, home for its U.S. operations for 50 years, to a temporary facility in Atlanta's Central Perimeter starting in July while constructing a new, state-of-the-art Atlanta headquarters expected to be completed in early 2017. The move, which will affect approximately 1,000 employees, will be phased to help minimize any disruption to business operations. Several operational areas will remain in both Montvale and Robbinsville, New Jersey. Atlanta is closer to their port in Brunswick, Georgia, and Tuscaloosa County Alabama manufacturing facility, which accounts for half of the vehicles sold in the U.S.

Lexus GS F Joins High Performance 'F' Line

Lexus GS F four-door performance sedan with a naturally-aspirated 467 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine, that uses both Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles to maximize power and efficiency in given situations, is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual-shifting capabilities. Lexus GS F joins Lexus’ high-performance “F” line that includes the RC F coupe. Both have Torque Vectoring Differential with Standard, Slalom and Track settings. A full introduction is expected next week in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show.

December 2014 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 274,483 vehicles last month for the company’s best December sales in seven years with total sales up 19 percent compared to a year ago. Retail sales were up 23 percent and fleet deliveries were up 6 percent. For 2014, GM sold 2,935,008 vehicles, a 5.3 percent increase over 2013.

Ford Motor Company’s U.S. sales totaled 2,480,942 vehicles in 2014, flat versus a year ago, primarily due to the all-new F-150 changeover and a planned 15 percent reduction in daily rental sales. Sales totaled 220,671 vehicles in December, up 1 percent from a year ago and the company’s best December sales since 2005.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported December 2014 sales of 215,057, an increase of 12.7 percent from December 2013. For the year TMS reported sales of 2,373,771 vehicles, a 6.2 percent increase. Toyota Division posted December 2014 sales of 175,178, up 12.2 percent and for the year, Toyota Division sales of 2,062,382 were up 5.1 percent. Lexus December sales were 39,879, up 14.7 percent, bringing the 2014 total to 311,389, a 13.7 percent gain over 2013.

FCA US (Chrysler, Jeep®, Ram Truck and FIAT) reported U.S. sales of 193,261, a 20 percent increase compared with sales in December 2013 and the best December sales since 2004. For 2014, sales were 2,090,639, a 16 percent increase over 2013.

American Honda reported December sales of 137,281, a gain of 1 percent bringing overall 2014 vehicle sales of 1,540,872, the second-best result in company history and an increase of 1.0 percent for the year. Honda Division had record sales of 1,373,029 vehicles for 2014 and Acura Division sales were 167,843, a 1.5 percent rise.

Nissan announced total U.S. sales for December 2014 of 117,318 units, an increase of 6.9 percent compared to last year and a December record. For calendar year 2014, Nissan set an all-time record with 1,386,895 total U.S. sales, an increase of 11.1 percent over 2013.

Hyundai Motor America announced a record December sales month of 64,507, up 2.4 percent versus the record-setting period in 2013. This is the fifth consecutive year of record U.S. sales up over the previous year and totaling 725,718, up 0.7 percent from 2013.

Kia Motors America capped a record-setting year with best-ever December sales of 45,587 vehicles, up 35.6 percent over the same period in 2013 and the highest annual sales total in company history of 580,234 vehicles, up 8.4 percent year-over-year and 4.0 percent over the previous record set in 2012. 

Subaru of America reported sales for December 2014 of 49,923 vehicles, marking the best December ever for the company with an increase of 24 percent over December 2013 and Subaru reported record sales of 513,693 vehicles for the 2014 calendar year, an increase of 21 percent for the sixth consecutive record and the largest ever single-year increase in volume for the brand.

Volkswagen of America reported 34,058, up 0.1 percent delivered in December, with 366,970 delivered in 2014, down 10 percent. Separately, Audi reported that its U.S. sales in 2014 increased 15.2 percent from the previous annual record in 2013 to 182,011 vehicles sold. December 2014 sales increased 13.1 percent to 19,238 vehicles.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported December sales of 48,141 vehicles, an increase of 9.5 percent from the same month a year ago. At year end, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) is up 5.3 percent on sales of 395,850 compared to 2013, a new record for the BMW Group U.S.

Mercedes-Benz delivered best-ever December sales of 34,009, up 3 percent compared to December 2013 for record-breaking 2014 sales of 330,391, up 5.7 percent from 2013. Adding, Sprinter and smart sales, Mercedes-Benz USA December sales totaled 38,270 for a best-ever year-to-date grand total of 366,589, a 6.7 percent rise from last year.  

Mazda North American Operations reported December U.S. sales of 24,808 vehicles, an increase of 8.0 percent versus last year bringing the 2014 U.S. total to 305,801, up 7.7 percent over 2013 and the best result since 1994.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported December sales of 6,545, a 1.9 percent increase from year ago December with total 2014 vehicle sales of 77,643, a 24.8 percent increase over 2013.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported December 2014 U.S. sales: Land Rover sales reached 5,754 flat versus December 2013; Jaguar sales were 1,683, up 9 percent from December 2013. Jaguar Land Rover North America December U.S. sales for both brands hit 7,437, a 2 percent increase from December 2013. For the full year 2104, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales were 67,238, a gain of 0.4 percent compared to 2013. For the full year 2014 the Land Rover brand established an all-time annual high for U.S. sales of 51,465.

Volvo Cars of North America reported December U.S. sales of 4,920, a 0.7 increase from December 2013. For the full year, VCNA sold 56,366, a 7.9 percent decrease from 2013.

Porsche Cars North America announced 3,275 vehicles were delivered in December for a 2014 total of 47,007, an increase of 11.1 percent over 2013.


Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.