The all-new Kia Optima, the brand’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for three years running, will be revealed at New York International Auto Show April 1st, five years after it's 2010 New York debut.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
All-New Kia Optima Will Make Another New York Debut
The all-new Kia Optima, the brand’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for three years running, will be revealed at New York International Auto Show April 1st, five years after it's 2010 New York debut.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse “La Finale” - SOLD OUT
Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse “La Finale”, the fastest production supercar in the world with an 1,183 horsepower 8 liter 16-cylinder W configuration mid-engine with four turbochargers and mated to a dual-clutch transmission, is the last of the 450 Veyron supercars which began production in 2005. It sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.6 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 255 mph. All of the planned 450 vehicles have now been sold: 300 coupés and 150 convertible super sports cars.
MINI Countryman Park Lane
The MINI Countryman Park Lane, an exclusive edition model of the brand with five seats including a sliding rear seat and a folding backrest with a 40:20:40 split, is offered in the 208 horsepower MINI Cooper Countryman, the 181 horsepower MINI Cooper S Countryman and the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 with all-wheel drive.
Monday, March 9, 2015
Infiniti Q60 and QX30 Concept Vehicles
Infiniti Q60 Concept, a two-door concept is 184.6 inches long with the next-generation 3.0-liter V6 engine with direct injection and twin-turbocharging.and hints at Infiniti's next sports coupe.
Infiniti QX30 Concept, the design vision that will inspire a new all-wheel drive premium compact crossover.
Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Coming In Late Spring
The permanent all-wheel drive Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce with a naturally aspirated 750 horsepower 6.5 liter V12 engine accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.8 seconds and powers on to reach a top speed of more than 217 mph and will have its market introduction in late this Spring for a price of more than $350,000.
Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 Concept
Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 concept high performance two seater sportscar.
Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Starts At $21,395 In April
The Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, goes on sale in U.S. dealerships in April, starting at $21,395 (excluding transportation, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges) for the 1.8T S model with a 170-horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TSI® engine mated to a five-speed manual manual transmission with an EPA estimated highway fuel economy of 36 mpg. The TDI Clean Diesel model is powered by the new 150 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection diesel engine, driving the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission. For the manual transmission model fuel economy is 43 mpg and for the automatic transmission model it's 42 mpg. At 179.6 inches long and 70.8 inches wide, the Golf SportWagen is 1.1 inches and 0.7 inches larger than the Jetta SportWagen.
The Golf SportWagen SE starts at $26,995, only available with the six-speed automatic transmission, Golf SportWagen 1.8T SEL, the top gasoline-powered SportWagen trim starts at $29,345. The base TDI S starts at $24,595 and offers a six-speed manual transmission. Golf SportWagen TDI SE starts at $27,995 with the DSG transmission an $1,100 option. Golf SportWagen TDI SEL starts at $30,345.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
February 2015 U.S. Auto Sales
General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 231,378 vehicles last month, up 4 percent compared to a year ago. Year-to-date sales of 434,164, is 10.3 percent higher than a year ago.
Ford Motor Company U.S. sales totaled 180,383 vehicles in February, down 1.9 percent from a year ago. Year-to-date sales are 358,734, up 5.9 from 2014.
Toyota, Scion and Lexus reported total February 2015 sales results of 180,467, an increase of 13.3 percent from February 2014. Year-to-date sales for Toyota and Lexus is 349,661, a gain of 14.4 percent over 2014.
FCA US (Fiat Chrysler) reported U.S. sales of 163,586, a 6 percent increase compared with sales in February 2014 and the best February sales since 2007. Year-to-date sales of 308,593 is 9 percent higher than the first two months of 2014.
Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for February 2015 of 118,436 units, up 2.7 percent year-over-year and a February record. Year-to-date Nissan and Infiniti brand sales are 222,543, an 8.1 percent rise over a year ago.
American Honda reported February Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 105,466, an increase of 5.0 percent versus February 2014. The Honda Division sold 92,474 vehicles in February, an increase of 4.1 percent for the month. The Acura brand posted sales of 12,992 units in February, rising 12.5 percent over the same period last year.
Hyundai Motor America reported its best February ever, selling 52,505, up 7 percent versus the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 97,010, a 4.3 percent increase from 2014.
Kia Motors America reported February sales of 44,030 vehicles, up 6.8 percent over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 82,329, is a 5.2 percent gain over last year.
Volkswagen of America reported sales of 25,710, down 5.2 percent from 2014, Year-to-date VW sales are 49,214, a decrease of 2.8 percent from last year. Separately, Audi reported that its February 2015 sales increased 5.3 percent to 11,455 vehicles. Through the first two months of 2015, Audi U.S. sales rose 9.6 percent from a year earlier to 22,996 vehicles.
Subaru of America reported record sales for February 2015 totaling 41,358 vehicles, an 18.5 percent gain over February 2014. Year-to-date sales of 82,170, a 21 percent gain over the same period in 2014.
The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported February sales of 28,921, an increase of 18.2 percent from the same month a year ago. Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 14.5 percent in February for a total of 25,201 compared to February, 2014.
Mercedes-Benz reported the highest February sales in its history with 23,616, up 4.5 percent from February 2014. Sprinter Vans was up 17.9 percent at 1,675, combining with 458 units at smart for a monthly total of 25,749 for Mercedes-Benz USA. On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes-Benz recorded sales of 48,235, an increase of 6.7 percent versus the same period last year. Adding 3,180 units for Sprinter and 950 vehicles at smart, MBUSA's year-to-date sales volume totaled 52,365.
Mazda North American Operations reported February U.S. sales of 25,650 vehicles, representing an increase of 5.4 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through February are up 6.4 percent versus last year, with 45,921 vehicles sold.
Mitsubishi Motors North America reported February 2015 vehicle sales of 7,533, a 26 percent sales increase from February 2014. Year-to-date sales are up 29.3 percent from the same period last year.
Jaguar Land Rover North America reported February 2015 U.S. sales for both brands of 6,327, a 14 percent increase from February 2014 bringing year-to-date sales up 11 percent from 2014. Land Rover February sales reached 4,917, up 23 percent from February 2014 while Jaguar sales were 1,410, down 9 percent from February 2014.
Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 4,012, a 0.5 percent increase versus February 2014. Year-to-date sales are up 0.3 percent over the first two months of 2014.
Porsche Cars North America announced February 2015 sales of 3,202, down 30 units compared to February 2014. Vehicle supply was adversely affected by the west coast port dispute and inclement weather in many areas. PCNA sales remain 12.8 percent higher year-to-date compared to the same period last year.
Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.
Ford Motor Company U.S. sales totaled 180,383 vehicles in February, down 1.9 percent from a year ago. Year-to-date sales are 358,734, up 5.9 from 2014.
Toyota, Scion and Lexus reported total February 2015 sales results of 180,467, an increase of 13.3 percent from February 2014. Year-to-date sales for Toyota and Lexus is 349,661, a gain of 14.4 percent over 2014.
Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for February 2015 of 118,436 units, up 2.7 percent year-over-year and a February record. Year-to-date Nissan and Infiniti brand sales are 222,543, an 8.1 percent rise over a year ago.
Hyundai Motor America reported its best February ever, selling 52,505, up 7 percent versus the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 97,010, a 4.3 percent increase from 2014.
Kia Motors America reported February sales of 44,030 vehicles, up 6.8 percent over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales of 82,329, is a 5.2 percent gain over last year.
Volkswagen of America reported sales of 25,710, down 5.2 percent from 2014, Year-to-date VW sales are 49,214, a decrease of 2.8 percent from last year. Separately, Audi reported that its February 2015 sales increased 5.3 percent to 11,455 vehicles. Through the first two months of 2015, Audi U.S. sales rose 9.6 percent from a year earlier to 22,996 vehicles.
Subaru of America reported record sales for February 2015 totaling 41,358 vehicles, an 18.5 percent gain over February 2014. Year-to-date sales of 82,170, a 21 percent gain over the same period in 2014.
The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported February sales of 28,921, an increase of 18.2 percent from the same month a year ago. Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 14.5 percent in February for a total of 25,201 compared to February, 2014.
Mercedes-Benz reported the highest February sales in its history with 23,616, up 4.5 percent from February 2014. Sprinter Vans was up 17.9 percent at 1,675, combining with 458 units at smart for a monthly total of 25,749 for Mercedes-Benz USA. On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes-Benz recorded sales of 48,235, an increase of 6.7 percent versus the same period last year. Adding 3,180 units for Sprinter and 950 vehicles at smart, MBUSA's year-to-date sales volume totaled 52,365.
Mazda North American Operations reported February U.S. sales of 25,650 vehicles, representing an increase of 5.4 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through February are up 6.4 percent versus last year, with 45,921 vehicles sold.
Mitsubishi Motors North America reported February 2015 vehicle sales of 7,533, a 26 percent sales increase from February 2014. Year-to-date sales are up 29.3 percent from the same period last year.
Jaguar Land Rover North America reported February 2015 U.S. sales for both brands of 6,327, a 14 percent increase from February 2014 bringing year-to-date sales up 11 percent from 2014. Land Rover February sales reached 4,917, up 23 percent from February 2014 while Jaguar sales were 1,410, down 9 percent from February 2014.
Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 4,012, a 0.5 percent increase versus February 2014. Year-to-date sales are up 0.3 percent over the first two months of 2014.
Porsche Cars North America announced February 2015 sales of 3,202, down 30 units compared to February 2014. Vehicle supply was adversely affected by the west coast port dispute and inclement weather in many areas. PCNA sales remain 12.8 percent higher year-to-date compared to the same period last year.
Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
BMW Performance Center West - Thermal, California
BMW has a new Performance Center West located near La Quinta, California, that offers the full complement of driver training courses similar to the BMW Performance center at the Spartanburg factory in South Carolina which opened in 1999 and has hosted nearly 130,000 drivers. The BMW performance driver training facility occupies 32 acres on the grounds of the The Thermal Club, a private motorsports club that is selling large "garage villas" for car racing enthusiasts who want quick access to 5.5 miles of road racing circuits. When finished, the BMW Performance Center West will have a dedicated 1.4 mile road course, 6.2 acres of paddock, a skid pad and an 8,500 square foot Performance Facility. BMW launched driver training in Germany in 1977.
I challenged the BMW M3 and M4 (above) with acceleration, cornering and braking through a coned autocross course clocking times around 35 seconds per lap.
I challenged the BMW M3 and M4 (above) with acceleration, cornering and braking through a coned autocross course clocking times around 35 seconds per lap.
BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer Can Carry 7 People
The BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer offers five newly developed turbocharged engines producing from 116 to 192 horsepower and can accommodate up to seven people across three rows of seats, in addition to a generously sized and variable-use luggage compartment. BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer will debut in Geneva next week.
J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study For 2012 Models
The J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study finds that bluetooth connectivity and voice recognition issues are the most frequently reported problems after three years of ownership. The study examines problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of 2012 model-year vehicles. Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality. The study covers 177 specific problem symptoms grouped into eight major vehicle categories.
For more information visit JDPA.com
For more information visit JDPA.com
McLaren 675LT Will Debut In Geneva Next Week
The McLaren 675LT (‘Longtail’) is track-focused and road legal in the McLaren Super Series with a 666 horsepower 3.8-liter Twin Turbo V8 engine mated to a 7 Speed SSG transmission. The sprint from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes just 2.9 seconds and 0-200 km/h (0-124 mph) clocks at 7.9 seconds en route to a top speed of 205 mph.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Consumer Reports Top 10 Vehicles For 2015 - 3 From Subaru
Consumer Reports Top 10 vehicles for 2015 must rank at or near the top of its class overall performance road-test score, an average or better predicted reliability rating, based on problems reported by subscribers who rated 1.1 million vehicles in Consumer Reports’ latest Annual Auto Survey and must perform effectively if included in crash or rollover tests conducted by the government or insurance industry.
Best overall: Tesla Model S
Compact car: Subaru Impreza
Midsized sedan: Subaru Legacy
Large car: Chevrolet Impala
Luxury car: Audi A6
Green car: Toyota Prius
Sports sedan: Buick Regal
Minivan: Honda Odyssey
Small SUV: Subaru Forester
Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander
Top Brands
1. Lexus
2. Mazda
3. Toyota
4. Audi
5. Subaru
Best overall: Tesla Model S
Compact car: Subaru Impreza
Midsized sedan: Subaru Legacy
Large car: Chevrolet Impala
Luxury car: Audi A6
Green car: Toyota Prius
Sports sedan: Buick Regal
Minivan: Honda Odyssey
Small SUV: Subaru Forester
Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander
Top Brands
1. Lexus
2. Mazda
3. Toyota
4. Audi
5. Subaru
2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV All-Electric Vehicle Coming In Late March
The 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric vehicle will arrive across the United States in late March with a starting MSRP of $22,995 (excluding destination/handling, tax, title, license etc.) and after a Federal tax credit of $7,500, the net starting MSRP is $15,495 (taxpayer must incur federal tax liability to receive full benefit).
The 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV comes equipped with heated driver and front passenger seats, remote keyless entry, heated side mirrors, a fully-transferable 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty for the lithium-ion main drive battery pack and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. A new Navigation Package is available that includes an MMCS navigation system with 7-in. touchscreen display, real-time traffic, 3D mapping and Mapcare®, Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, USB port and rear view camera.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Infiniti QX30 Concept Debuts Next Week
Infiniti QX30 Concept crossover with carbon fiber in the lower cladding and roofbar supports, will have its world premiere at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show next week.
Mercedes-Maybach 600 S Pullman Limo Starts Around $567,000
The Mercedes-Maybach 600 S Pullman, Mercedes-Maybach's second model, is 21.3 feet long, 3.5 feet longer than the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and powered by a 523 horsepower V12 biturbo engine. The owner and VIP guests are seated in the direction of travel on two executive seats which are part of the standard specification while other passengers can sit on the fold-down seats facing backwards. If specifically requested, the Pullman can also be delivered in an exclusive version without the additional seats. The price for unarmoured models start at around $566,922.
2016 Lotus Evora 400 Coming This Fall
The new Lotus Evora 400, almost 50 pounds lighter and faster than the previous model, gets a new supercharged and charge-cooled mid-mounted 400 horsepower 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 302 ft. lbs. of torque with 0-60 mph acceleration of 4.1 seconds to a maximum speed of 186 mph. The new Lotus Evora 400 will enter production for European markets this summer with deliveries starting in August. North American markets will receive the 2016 Evora 400 in the Fall.
Thank You Mr. K - 80 Years In The Car Business and My Z
Mr. K (left) made one of the first color films of a Datsun on Japanese roads and later filmed motor sport races across the globe. He was a victorious team manager as two Datsun 210s were entered in a grueling rally circumnavigating the Australian continent catapulting the brand into worldwide renown and setting the stage for Datsun exports. He put together the key concepts for the Z-car and was inducted into the American Automotive Hall of Fame in 1998.
Monday, February 16, 2015
2016 Toyota Avalon Coming This Fall
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