2016 Lexus LX 570 Debuts At Pebble Beach

The 2016 Lexus LX 570 eight passenger body-on-frame SUV gets a restyled front end, new standard LED headlights, turn signals and fog lights, taillights, rear bumper, 20-inch split 10-spoke wheels, and available 21-inch 10-spoke wheels. Powered by a 383 horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine now mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission which replaces the former six-speed. The new Drive Mode Select tailors powertrain and suspension responses with a dial on the console. ECO adjusts powertrain responses and air conditioning to prioritize fuel-efficient driving, COMFORT mode optimizes AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension) damping for a smooth ride, SPORT S mode dials up powertrain response and dials down power steering assist for a sportier driving feel, and SPORT S+ mode adds firmer damping control from AVS to prioritize handling agility.
         

All-New Ford F-650/F-750 Trucks Made In Ohio Now

All-new Ford F-650/F-750 medium-duty trucks, with a new look inside and out, rolled off the line today for the first time in the United States at Ford's Ohio Assembly Plant after previously being built in Mexico. Along with its 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 diesel engine option, Ford remains the only automaker to offer a gasoline-powered engine in the medium-duty truck segment. The 2016 Ford F-650/F-750 trucks offer a 320 horsepower 6.8-liter V10 with the heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission and can be factory-prepped for converting to compressed natural gas or liquid propane gas as cost-effective alternatives to gasoline and a 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 diesel engine option. The move from Mexico to Ohio helps secure more than 1,000 hourly UAW jobs and a $168 million plant investment in the United States.

Hyundai “Vision G” Concept Coupe Is On Tour

The Hyundai “Vision G” Concept Coupe, from Hyundai's U.S design team led by Christopher Chapman, resembling a Bentley with luxury in mind, is powered by their high-pressure direct injection 420 horsepower 5.0-liter Tau V8 engine. The Hyundai “Vision G” Concept Coupe is on tour, first Los Angeles, then Pebble Beach.

Lexus IS 200t With 241 Horsepower New For 2016

The Lexus IS luxury sport sedan, with rear-wheel drive, all-weather drive and F SPORT variants, adds the 200t, available as RWD only, powered by a 241 horsepower 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with intercooler paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The IS 200t joins the IS 300 AWD with a 255 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and the IS 350, in both RWD and AWD and now with standard 18-inch five-spoke wheels with all-season tires, powered by a 306 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 mated to an eight-speed, Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission. Also new for 2016 is a heated steering wheel as a standalone option, a Premium Plus Package with power/tilt telescopic steering wheel and rain-sensing wipers and Lexus Enform Service Connect. The IS 250 and IS 250 AWD are discontinued.

2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron® Coming In October Starting At $38,825

The all-new 2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron® plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the first electrified Audi sold in the U.S. has a 204 horsepower 1.4 liter TFSI® engine combined with a liquid-cooled, permanent magnet-driven electric motor mated to a six-speed S tronic® transmission. The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron® will start at $38,825 (including $925 destination charges), the Premium Plus model starts at $42,925 and the Prestige at $47,725 - or less depending on the buyer's qualification for applicable state and federal incentives and tax credits. 240-volt charging replenishes the battery in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. The plug-in hybrid will launch at dealerships nationwide in October.

It qualifies for a federal tax credit of $4,168 with buyers in some states qualifying for additional incentives. Tax credits and incentives are subject to availability, and customers should consult their tax professionals and IRS.gov for more information about tax credits and incentives.

All-New BMW 7 Series Featured In Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation Movie

The all-new BMW 7 Series, in its sixth generation, is driven hard in the film “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation,” from Paramount Pictures and Skydance, now in theaters. BMW previously partnered with Paramount on 2011’s “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.” BMW of North America has a series of “Mission to Drive” marketing initiatives around the film including television, radio and digital advertising. The all-new BMW 7 Series features the world’s first Gesture Control. Pre-selected hand movements in the vicinity of the center console allow the driver to adjust the audio volume control and accept or reject incoming phone calls, among other functions. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation topped the box office in its debut weekend bringing in $55.52 million.

2016 Honda Odyssey On Sale Now Starting At $30,155

The 2016 Honda Odyssey, powered by a 248 horsepower 3.5-liter, 24-valve V-6 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, is now on sale with eight trim levels starting at $30,155 (including $880 destination charge) and running up to a starting price of $45,630 for top-of-the-line Touring Elite. Odyssey comes in LX, EX, SE, EX-L, EX-L with Rear Entertainment System, EX-L with Navi, Touring and Touring Elite models delivering EPA fuel-economy ratings of 19/28/22 mpg city/highway/combined.

July 2015 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac) sold 272,512 vehicles in the United States in July 2015, a 6.4 percent increase for the best July since 2007. Year-to-date sales of 1,778,057, is up 3.9 percent over 2014.

Ford Motor Company sold 222,731 vehicles last month, up 4.9 percent for its best July U.S. sales performance since 2006. Of that, Lincoln accounted for 9,536, a 21.3 percent jump over July 2014. Year-to-date total Ford sales of 1,516,352 is a 2.3 percent increase over 2014.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported July 2015 sales of 217,181, an increase of 0.6 percent from July 2014. Toyota Division posted sales of 187,365, down 0.6 percent while year-to-date sales are 1,259,957, a 3.7 percent gain and Lexus reported July sales of 29,816, up 9.1 percent from July 2014 bring year-to-date sales to 188,664, a 13.6 percent rise over last year. Year-to-date total sales for both brands is 1,448,621, up 4.9 percent over last year.

FCA US (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported U.S. sales of 178,027 units, a 6 percent increase compared with sales in July 2014 for the group’s best July sales since 2005. Year-to-date sales of 1,260,170 is also a 6 percent rise versus last year.

American Honda Motor reported sales of 146,324 Honda and Acura vehicles, an increase of 7.7 percent in July 2015. Honda Division sales rose 6.5 percent overall on sales of 131,409 units, while Acura reported a gain of 19.5 percent with 14,915 vehicles sold in July. Year-to-date sales of 899,325 is a 2.7 percent gain over 2014.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for July 2015 of 130,872, an increase of 7.8 percent over the prior year and a July record. Nissan Division finished July with 120,439 sales, up 6.7 percent and also a July record. Infiniti sales of 10,433 is a 22.2 percent gain over a year ago. Year-to-date Nissan Group sales is 867,355, a 5 percent increase over 2014.

Hyundai Motor America reported its best July ever with 71,013 sold, up 6 percent compared to July 2014. Year-to-date sales of 442,163 is up 2.5 percent over the first seven months of 2014.

Kia Motors America had a July sales record of 56,311 vehicles sold, up 7.7 percent over 2014. Kia year-to-date sales of 367,263  is up 5 percent over last year.

Subaru of America reported 50,517 vehicle sales for July 2015, a 10.5 percent increase over July 2014 for the best-ever sales month in company history, breaking the previous record set in August 2014 (50,246). Subaru reported year-to-date sales of 322,935 vehicles, a 13.8 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 31,300, up 2.4 percent over July 2014. Year-to-date sales of 205,742, down 1.9 percent from 2014. Separately, Audi of America reported sales of 17,654 vehicles, an increase of 20.8 pecent. Year-to-date Audi sales of 111,269 is up 12.4 percent over last year.          

BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported July sales of 32,161 vehicles, a decrease of 0.2 percent from the same month a year ago. Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 2.1 percent in July for a total of 26,970 compared to July, 2014. For July, MINI USA reports 5,191 automobiles sold, a decrease of 10.7 percent from the same month a year ago. BMW Group year-to-date sales of 231,044 is up 8.1 percent.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported record July sales for the Mercedes-Benz brand at 27,526, increasing 1.2 percent from the same month last year. Sprinter delivered 2,163 sales for the month of July, combining with 441 units at smart for a monthly total of 30,130 for MBUSA. On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes-Benz sales totaled 192,496, up 7.7 percent. Adding year-to-date sales of 15,697 for Sprinter Vans and 4,065 for smart, MBUSA posted a grand total of 212,258 units through July.

Mazda North American Operations reported U.S. sales for July 2015 of 27,157 vehicles, a 7.1-percent decrease versus July 2014. Through July, Mazda has sold 186,153 vehicles year-to-date, representing a year-over-year increase.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported sales of 7,868, an increase of 23.9 percent from July 2014. Year-to-date sales of 57,412 is up 24.8 percent.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported July 2015 U.S. sales. Sales for both brands hit 6,253, a 7 percent increase from July 2014.  Land Rover sales reached 5,011, up 8 percent from July 2014; Jaguar sales were 1,242, up 5 percent from July 2014. Year-to-date in 2015, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales hit 46,401, an increase of 15 percent over 2014.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 5,619, a 14.8 percent increase versus July 2014. Year-to-date sales are up 2 percent over the first seven months of 2014.

Porsche Cars North America announced July 2015 sales of 4,730 vehicles, up 10 percent over July 2014. Year-to-date sales of 29,868 is 9.7 percent higher than last year.

2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - 2016 GMC Sierra Coming In The 4th Quarter

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 full-size pickup (above) will get a new front end design including bumpers, more 8-speed automatic transmission options, updated Chevy MyLink with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, LED “C-shaped” signature daytime running lights, and LED headlights, taillights and fog lamps when it arrives in the fourth quarter of this year.

The new 2016 GMC Sierra will be available in the fourth quarter of this year, with additional details and information on the new model released in the coming months.

2016 Buick Encore Sport Touring Goes On Sale This Fall

The 2016 Buick Encore Sport Touring with an all-new 153 horsepower direct injection 1.4L turbocharged engine matched with a six-speed automatic transmission goes on sale this Fall. All-wheel drive, a premium Bose® audio system, navigation radio and a moonroof are available.

2016 Hyundai Tucson Starts At $23,595 Now

The 2016 Hyundai Tucson, 3.0 inches longer and 1.1 inches wider than the previous model, powered by 164 horsepower 2.0-liter, direct-injected four-cylinder engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC™ manual shifting mode, goes on sale this month with a starting price of $23,595 (including $895 freight charges) for the FWD SE model with EPA fuel economy rated at 23 mpg (city), 31 mpg (highway), and 26 mpg (combined). The FWD or AWD Tucson comes in SE, Eco, Sport and Limited trim levels with the latter three available with a more powerful engine. The top-of the-line AWD Tucson Limited with the 175 horsepower 1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder engine mated to a 7-Speed EcoShift Dual Clutch transmission starts at $32,195.

J.D. Power 2015 U.S. APEAL Study

The J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, in its 20th year, measures how gratifying 77 ownership and driving attributes are in a new vehicle.  The average APEAL Index score in the non-premium segment (790) has improved by 5 points from 2014, while the average score in the premium segment (841) has improved by only 1 point. Porsche ranks highest in APEAL for an 11th consecutive year, with a score of 874 index points, followed by Jaguar (855), BMW (854), Mercedes-Benz (853) and Audi (852). MINI is the highest-ranking non-premium brand in the study with a score of 825.

The following brands receive multiple model-level APEAL awards:

Chevrolet (three): Colorado, Corvette and Sonic
Ford (three): C-Max, Expedition and F-150
Porsche (three): Cayenne, Cayman and Macan
Audi (two): A3 and Q3
BMW (two): 4 Series and 6 Series
Dodge (two): Challenger and Charger
Mazda (two): CX-5 and MAZDA6
MINI (two): Cooper and Countryman

Other models receiving awards are Fiat 500; GMC Sierra HD; Infiniti QX80; Kia Sedona; Mercedes-Benz S-Class; Nissan Murano; and Volkswagen Golf.

2016 Mazda CX-3 Starts At $20,840 In Mid-August

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 subcompact crossover with a 146 horsepower SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine, going on sale in mid-August, starts at $20,840 (including $880 for destination and handling) for the Sport trim, $22,8840 for CX-3 Touring model and $25,870 for the CX-3 Grand Touring. EPA-estimated fuel economy for front-wheel drive models is 29 mpg city/35 mpg highway/31 mpg combined and 27 mpg city/32 mpg highway/29 mpg combined with i-ACTIV AWD which is a $1,250 upgrade. The Touring Technology Package is $1,410 and the i-ACTIVSENSE safety package with Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart City Brake Support, Smart Brake Support, High Beam Control System, Lane Departure Warning System, rain-sensing wipers and auto on/off headlights is $1,920.

All CX-3 models come with MAZDA CONNECT™, a seven-inch, full-color touchscreen infotainment suite that is integrated with a commander control knob and Bluetooth hands-free phone pairing and audio streaming. All 2016 CX-3s also have backup camera and push-button starter as well as power windows, power door locks and remote keyless entry.

Toyota Mirai Offers EPA-estimated 67 MPGe This Fall

The new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle will offer an EPA-estimated 67 miles per gallon equivalent (mpge) city/highway/combined when it hits dealerships in California this Fall, and an EPA-estimated driving range rating of 312 miles on a single fill of hydrogen.

June 2015 U.S. Vehicle Sales

General Motors' Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers in the United States delivered 259,353 vehicles in June 2015, a drop of 3 percent. It was GM's best June for retail deliveries since 2007 climbing 6.8 percent year over year. Year-to-date General Motors sales of 1,505,545, up 3.4 percent from 2014.

Ford Motor Company total U.S. June sales of  225,647 vehicles sold was a 1.6 percent gain over last year. Year-to-date sales of 1,293,621 is a 1.9 percent increase over 2014.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported June 2015 sales of 209,912, an increase of 4.1 percent from June 2014. Toyota division posted June 2015 sales of 183,791, up 3.1 percent. Lexus reported June sales of 26,121, up 11.1 percent from June 2014. For the first half of the year, TMS reported sales of 1,231,440, up 5.6 percent versus the same period in 2014.

FCA US (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported U.S. sales of 185,035, an 8 percent increase compared with sales in June 2014 for the group’s best June sales since 2006. Year-to-date sales of 1,082,143 is a 6 percent gain over 2014.

American Honda reported June 2015 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 134,397, an increase of 4.2 percent. Year-to-date sales of 739,436 is a 1.8 percent gain over last year. June Honda brand sales reached 118,870 for a gain of 0.9 percent. Acura division June sales of 15,527 is a 33 percent jump.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for June 2015 of 124,228, an increase of 13.3 percent for a June record. Nissan Division finished June with 114,243 sales, up 13 percent and also a June record. Infiniti June sales of 9,985 is up 16.5 percent over last year. Year-to-date Nissan Group sales of 736,483 is a 4.5 percent gain over 2014.

Hyundai Motor America reported its best June sales ever of 67,502, up less than one percent, surpassing the record-setting month of June 2014. Year-to-date sales of 371,150 represents a 1.8 percent increase and marks Hyundai’s best opening six months ever.

Kia Motors America had its best-ever June sales of 54,137 vehicles, up 6.9 percent. Year-to-date Kia sales are 310,952, up 4.6 percent, the best first half in company history.

Subaru of America reported record sales for June 2015 totaling 44,335 vehicles, a 7.2 percent gain over June 2014. Year-to-date sales of 272,418 vehicles is a 14.5 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 30,436, up 5.6 percent from last June while year-to-date sales of 174,442 is a decline of 2.6 percent from 2014. Separately, Audi of America reported its best-ever June sales of 18,262 vehicles, an 8.3 percent gain over last June.Year-to-date Audi sales of 93,615 is up 11 percent over 2014.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported June sales of 38,350 vehicles, an increase of 7.8 percent versus the same month a year ago. Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 6.5 percent in June for a total of 32,176 compared to 30,201 vehicles sold in June, 2014. For June, MINI USA reports 6,174 automobiles sold, an increase of 14.8 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date BMW Group sales of 198,883 is a 9.6 percent gain over 2014.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported record June sales for the Mercedes-Benz brand at 28,044, climbing 5.8 percent from the same month last year. Sprinter delivered 2,442, a 10.9 percent increase in June  with 774  at smart for a monthly total of 31,260 for MBUSA. On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes-Benz retails totaled 164,970, up 8.8 percent. Adding 13,534 for Sprinter and 3,624 for smart, MBUSA achieved a record grand total of 182,128 for the first six months of 2015.

Mazda North American Operations reported June U.S. sales of 27,223 vehicles, representing an increase of 3.9 percent versus last year. Through June, Mazda has sold 158,996 vehicles, up 1.6 percent year-to-date.

Mitsubishi Motors North America sold 7,963, an increase of 32.3 percent from June 2014. Sales for the first half of the year are 49,544, up 24.9 percent over 2014.

Volvo Cars sold 5,984 in the U.S. in June, flat from a year ago while year-to-date sales of 29,367 is a 0.1 percent gain over last year.

Jaguar Land Rover North America today reported June 2015 U.S. sales for both brands of  5,860, an 11 percent increase from June 2014. Land Rover sales reached 4,643, up 15 percent and Jaguar sales were 1,217, down 4 percent. Year-to-date in 2015, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales are up 16 percent from 2014.

Porsche Cars North America June 2015 sales of 4,223 vehicles is up 2.9 percent from a year ago for its strongest June sales month in PCNA history. Year-to-date sales of 25,138 is 9.7 percent higher than 2014.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Former Ford President Phil Benton Passes Away

Philip Benton Jr., former President of Ford Motor Company, died at age 86 at his home in Massachusetts on June 14, according to Automotive News. Benton spent 40 years at Ford, retiring as President and COO in July 1992. The photo (above) was taken from a 1992 KWHY-TV Business Channel interview where Benton discussed the company, cars, challenges and the restructuring of First Nationwide Bank which Ford eventually sold in 1994.

Get Your Kicks On Route 66 - Great Race Finishes At Santa Monica Pier

HEMMINGS MOTOR NEWS GREAT RACE presented by Hagerty, June 20 to June 28 from Kirkwood, Missouri, to Santa Monica, California, traveling along much of Historic US 66, finished today with about a hundred vehicles manufactured in 1972 or earlier crossing the finish line on Santa Monica Pier.

Nissan JUKE-R 2.0 With 600 Horsepower

The Nissan JUKE-R 2.0, based on the newer JUKE model launched in Europe in 2014, has redesigned 100 percent carbon fiber front and rear bumpers and the front fenders, front headlights, taillights and hood are from the new 2015 JUKE. The engine power, according to the Nissan release, has been increased and is rated at 600 horsepower, "the same output as the GT-R, the NISMO."

2016 Chevrolet Cruze - Larger, Lighter Coming In Early 2016

The all-new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze on a 106.3-inch wheelbase is larger, up to 250 pounds lighter and more efficient with a new, standard 153 horsepower 1.4L turbocharged engine with direct injection mated to either a standard six-speed manual or available six-speed automatic transmission that General Motors estimates helps get 40 mpg on the highway. Stop/start technology helps enhance the Cruze’s efficiency in stop-and-go driving. New model range for North America including L, LS, LT and Premier and a more expressive RS package. Standard features include 10 air bags, four-wheel disc brakes, rearview camera and available OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot. New, available features include wireless phone charging, heated rear leather seats and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Available advanced safety features include Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert. The all-new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze will be offered in more than 40 global markets and goes on sale first in North America in early 2016, with a diesel model to follow in 2017.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Makes World Debut

Alfa Romeo Giulia, the brand's top-of-the-range model, made its World Debut in Italy. The Giulia is powered by a 510 horsepower Ferrari-inspired turbo six-cylinder engine, made entirely of aluminium, accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds, and will be introduced on the Quadrifoglio version. The Giulia comes in rear or four-wheel drive. The Guilia features torque vectoring with a double clutch to allow the rear differential to control the torque delivery to each wheel separately. A.L.F.A. (standing for ‘Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili’, which translates as ‘Lombard Automobile Factory, Public Company’ in English) was established on June 24, 1910.